How Buakaw Became a Superstar

Learn from Legends: www.legendarystriking.com
If you're a fan of combat sports, you probably know Buakaw's achievements in K-1 by now. But what isn't as known, is the serendipitous, beautiful, and tragic parts surrounding this event.
In this video, we tell the story of how Buakaw became a superstar and saved an entire martial arts from collapsing into the unknown. This was Buakaw's night... his destiny. Watch how he took what was destined to be his.
**For this video, I tried a new format where my friend Michael Tai did a voice over. Let me know what you think! If you enjoyed it, I'll collaborate with more voices I like in the future! **
-----------------------------------
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[@LawrenceKenshin]

If you're a fan of combat sports, you probably know Buakaw's achievements in K-1 by now. But what isn't as known, is the serendipitous, beautiful, and tragic parts surrounding this event. In this video, we tell the story of how Buakaw became a superstar and saved an entire martial arts from collapsing into the unknown. This was Buakaw's night... his destiny. Watch how he took what was destined to be his. **For this video, I tried a new format where my friend Michael Tai did a voice over. Let me know what you think! If you enjoyed it, I'll collaborate with more voices I like in the future! ** Btw... HEAD OVER to the comment section to interact with me! I'll be doing Q&A on all TOP voted comments on new videos going forward. Support my content on Patreon (Patrons receive priority on Q&A): patreon.com/lawrencekenshin You will also receive the transcript of each video if you become a Patron, plus more in the future!

[@LawrenceKenshin]

now its pretty spread out and up for grabs. a winner will emerge soon

[@daandb4642]

Lawrence Kenshin Yes I have :) I feel that the lower tones are more pronounced and that gives the drug dealer effect 😆.

[@LawrenceKenshin]

@@daandb4642 hahaha the dealer effect 🤔

[@mobileconnectgame]

Your voice or no voice!

[@Red-ju4mi]

This recording sounds muffled and low quality.

[@bretskipper665]

Congrats Buakaw From Malaysia 🇲🇾

[@henryrshenry8480]

Amazing story ... I too love Baukaw very much ...

[@jimmymack1079]

My favourite Thai fighter and a true Isaan legend.

[@janschneidereit3144]

Nice tribute. I remember back in the days Buakaw was the reason i started watching K1 and Muai Thai

[@kevinthomas7259]

Buakaw your my hero and inspiration i love youuuuu

[@myzu6731]

Super inspirational thank you my man

[@ShariqKhan-sv6sx]

I'm glad that buakaw won this match, Love from Pakistan 💖❤🇵🇰

[@m.a.w1231]

Buakaw is STILL my favorite Muay Thai fighter. Such a legendary fighter!! ✊🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🙂👍🏽

[@user-tl4fi6oy8d]

The refs thought they were doing Masato a favour by giving him an extra round. He sure didn't look too happy about it!

[@jiv32]

Man I would've cried if someone said I have to go one extra round against Buakaw

[@blackneotheone2978]

Facts he face said it all just let him win why u Sending back out there

[@johnnymathew3422]

Buakaw clearly won that fight, stupid judges. I would sent the judges who scored the card into the ring to fight buakaw if I had the power.

[@blackneotheone2978]

This just lets me know that japan may have fixed fight i have no proof of this but come on blind fury can see that buakaw won

[@AquaArtYT]

Maybe somebody was about to lose a bet, thus made the judges to drag the match to extra round.. I guess

[@kevinthomas7259]

Thankyou for making this video, so inspiring

[@germanvolkov8607]

I remember watching on Eurosport how he destroyed everyone in that tournament. I was so impressed that I stopped smoking and started muaythai next month and did it nonstop for 13years untill got injured. He was and still is one of my idols.

[@rahulRRR19]

Woww. Buddy. That is awesome. @German Volkov

[@Channel-mi5eg]

Good

[@unbreakapaul]

I hope you're not smoking again

[@germanvolkov8607]

@@unbreakapaul never again

[@unbreakapaul]

German Volkov I admire you man, I respect people like you.

[@kevinthomas7259]

I watched alot of buakaws fights, this is my favorite version of his fighting style against masato

[@asylmaksat8824]

The legendary Buakaw

[@solonfroilan897]

Great video!!! He’s one of my favorites

[@s2kBscreamin]

Buakaw is the man! I follow him on IG and dude is still living like he ain’t rich, very humble, never forgets his roots!

[@issatounkara5962]

Yeah he is very humble

[@behidzakasupovic3497]

Because of that a lot more respect to him !

[@RiwzEnkAz]

Fighters in Asia does not have ego.

[@commentconnoisseur1001]

@@RiwzEnkAz rodtang

[@RiwzEnkAz]

​@@commentconnoisseur1001 yes bro rodtang he is very humble

[@ZacchaeusNifong]

I'm so glad you make these videos. Buakaw is by far, my biggest inspiration in muay thai.

[@beanvo9924]

His style of fighting is a boost to manliness. It’s about going in head on and break the opponent down.

[@rkd350z]

buakaw back in 2004 was just... memorable. I won't forget how he was when he was young. Young Buakaw was very aggressive

[@petemartin4300]

Buakaw heart of a champion!

[@kevinthomas7259]

My heart hurts for him, he truly got robbed of so many top lvl fights....truly sad, love you buakaw, a true hero

[@bridgeh1531]

Man made of steel!

[@oliverdeferless6100]

Thanks to Buakaw my son is now training and crazy about Muay Thai..Buakaw is famous here in Australia.

[@bossvini4979]

Buakaw is an absolute legend. The best ambassador of Thailand. Buakaw raised the status of Muay Thai to an international level with his talent. He conquered the whole world ( world Large) with staggering, spectacular fights. He is a GOAT. Inspiration for new generations. Much respect for him !!!

[@darrenhaumaha7183]

Baukaw on beast mode, what a legend much respect.

[@djgruv]

Beast mode!

[@navaracshaara5478]

Buakaw forever a legend. My idol, the man who has made me fall in love with Muay Thai. One of the greatest fighters of all time. Big respect !!!

[@LawrenceKenshin]

cheers!

[@alialaqaby]

I remember the first times I went to Muay Thai training, all the way to the gym I used to play Buakaw's videos and get inspired and motivated .. much respect.

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jeffpesos6554]

I started watching Muay Thai cuz of buakaw and k1

[@kevinthomas7259]

I love the music, this whole short doc gave me chills watching baukaw rise above all muay thai go!!!!

[@kitchennwardrobe6128]

from zero to hero..live for something or die for nothing

[@suhribzevolution645]

คำคมดีมากพี่ชายผมชอบคำพูดคุณ

[@BRIDGEBURNERSTV]

Always loved Buakaw 👌👌

[@richardgustafsson1438]

I remember watching this fight. i must have been 16-17 at the time and way into kickboxing. I also remember tearing up because of the way Buakaw was fighting, the determination and heart he showed, even though the judges and K1 tried to screw him over. They did NOT want him to win. But at the end, they could not deniy him. Great video. You really captured the emotion.

[@martialarts3393]

Buakaw like terminator. True legend. Dude was born for war. Constantly moving forward which makes him a very exciting fighter to watch in the ring.

[@LawrenceKenshin]

terminator for sure

[@zokajz1021]

Marston is Not a easy oponent he is strong and his Kick are so powerfull

[@bluechild907]

Buakaw was used by his camp owner and most fights in Thailand are decided by corruption. He was and still is Thailand's biggest fight icon in Muay Thai history. Buakaw not having been 'the best in the Thai circuit' when he was young has more to do with corruption and not with him as a fighter. After a trial in court against his "owner" (yes, in Thailand you are owned as a fighter by the camp) he finally got his 'freedom' back and changed his name from 'Por Pramuk' to 'Banchamek'. Unfortunately he spent the best years of his fight career fighting for a corrupt basterd.

[@Trixster5410]

Yep sounds right. Glad he was able to rise above all that.

[@stfuplsok]

Blue Child *bastard

[@petrokemikal]

@@stfuplsok Fool

[@pizzabagerenmujaffa8123]

Buakaw is a champ i have been following through all times ....he still fight here 20 years later .....fantastic fighter .....thank you buakaw.....you are a true inspiration ...

[@RicardoDirani]

Yeah, I've been watching Buakaw videos for some 5 years and he's the reason I got hoocked in Muay Thai. And he fights for his King!

[@sumaryantosolo1772]

I love him so much

[@drexelking8792]

Good analysis. He is my favorite. He has laser focus on the weakness of his enemies and he knows how to adjust to their strengths. If ever there was a warrior spirit. The Japanese guy, OMG what a soldier, resilient. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulinthailand]

buakaw is the reason i went to thailand in 2005. after watching him beat jwp i had to go and have a look at thailand. 15 years later im married to a thai lady and have a beautiful daughter i fought mt a 10ish times and im building a gym for poor kids as we speak. i owe muay thai a lot

[@boryavasili]

Wow, those endorsements at the end have to have felt amazing, good work on the recognition.

[@willmoua1]

Buawkaw #1 superstar!

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Yes !

[@daandb4642]

I love everyone of your videos, but with this audio it sounds like a he’s a drug dealer trying to hide his identity 😂

[@LawrenceKenshin]

hahahah did you watch the previous ones???

[@CablixMoreWow]

@@LawrenceKenshin either your voice is really deep or you're wanted by the cops

[@wnd9434]

Send me your location. If your stuff is good as you say i will by a thousand more

[@MrAcescore]

Damn, i had the same thoughts. Anyway Lawrence you're the best fighting channel admin I've ever seen, i had a big respect for your deep knowledge in fighting analysis.

[@dionysianapollomarx]

@@LawrenceKenshin Bruh, I legit think you're with Anonymous

[@puffdee6403]

Buakaw is a legend respect from philippines thailand is s beutiful place

[@srrtbb]

Your beaches are even more beautiful than ours!

[@puffdee6403]

@@srrtbb wait what country are u thailand

[@puffdee6403]

@@srrtbb ur country too is beutiful ty for what u say ur country too I want to go to thailand too beutiful place 👍👍👍👍

[@GOBIAS.INDUSTRIES.]

Both of your countries are gorgeous! But I will admit Thailand had some of the best psychedelic mushrooms I've ever experienced!...

[@srrtbb]

@@GOBIAS.INDUSTRIES. ahhahaahah. I actually never try shroom, and want to try it.

[@ungarzhergesi9299]

Buakaw is amazing fighter. His story is legendary, movie making stiff. The level of respect!

[@nosinfantasia]

his tecnique is just amazing

[@GagandeepSingh-oh9qw]

Buakaw is an inspiration, love his heart and stamina. And love your videos Kenshin-san. In my country, there's a saying: the real value of a gem can only be extracted by an expert jeweller. You're that expert for MT now. Keep showing the world their talent and heart !

[@Jimatuscc]

Can't say I'm impressed with Buakaw, rather I'm in awe. He is truly a real-life super hero.

[@LawrenceKenshin]

awe is great word

[@kevinthomas7259]

I wish i could interview the fighters who faced buakaw, and what was it like to b in the ring with such a legend....buakaw #1 g.o.a.t

[@chrisadolf9988]

Respect 👍 Extra round needed only for gambling matters Buakaw should have won in unanimous decision Greetings from Jakarta-INDONESIA,🇮🇩

[@XIIIGaming]

This is so inspiring

[@kaycee310toysandcollectibl9]

Humble beginnings that show his determination and hard work against impossible odds paid off. He gave his all To training Muay Thai and took it by relentless pursuit, dedication and iron will. He’s an inspiration for anybody feeling depressed and hopeless. I salute u buakaw for being a respectable fighter and human being in this cruel world.

[@kevinthomas7259]

Buakaw is a true inspiration....much love to this man....BUAKAW BUAKAW BUAKAW!!!!!

[@ralphbanks6530]

He is a legend... I know the guy said someone was better at the time but this is the cat that brought me to the sport... The best to ever do it in my opinion... So I gotta salute the King... I will research the other guy... But I'll always admire this guy the most... Great video...

[@CoachRayyan]

Muay Thai changed my life , buakaw showed me muaythai ... he was n will always be my idol

[@ashishsummun5749]

21 and he was a freaking beast damn !!!!! What a legend . One in a million

[@valtermassakazunishikawa2742]

buakaw is a phenomenon!

[@edgeybrah3544]

Buakaw will always be the GOAT, not changed my iPhone wallpaper since 2012 and I don’t think I ever will

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Hahah love the comment edgey

[@mikejones4324]

Look into it

[@kevinthomas7259]

Buakaw the humble champion

[@bunnyfreakz]

That's gay bro.

[@TR-cq3vq]

@@bunnyfreakz You are gay, you stupid ass !!!

[@MrKevinliow88]

Buakaw is such a great inspiration and role model.

[@kevinthomas7259]

Baukaw is a weapon of mass destruction......truly a beautiful warrior to watch over and over

[@jackyzhu9737]

Buakaw made me interested in Muay Thai, which I appreciated him so much for such wonderful performance

[@J-MAN1120]

He is indeed a national treasure of Thailand like Pacquiao in the Philippines... SALUTE to these two heroes!

[@arynadvolyzap2329]

Buakaw the legend. This warrior has much honor and spirit.

[@kevinthomas7259]

I watch buakaw, im just amazed hes true beauty in the ring, muay thai is such a beautiful fighting style to watch when one masters the art

[@hansjanssenswans2525]

sure i know buakaw formerly por pramuk now banchamek one of the greatest k1 fighters i have ever seen he made it seem so easy like he could do anything in that ring.because of buakaw i started to like thai boxing and he still is today a great inspiration to me also in life.i hope one day i get to meet him and tell him what a great fighter he is in my eyes,he comes wright after bruce lee thats the greatest honor i can give you.

[@brianscraper7433]

Excellent video! Buakaw was one of my first Thai inspirations! My old gym used to have a library of vhs fights from japan like K1 and Pride. I watched all those K1 and Max tournaments. Buakaw’s victories were my favorite. 🙏

[@LawrenceKenshin]

what fun it must have been to watch them together!

[@die956]

Buakaw Muay Thai Living Legend! Warrior, defending the honour of his country au over the world. He has done a lot for Thai boxing and brought him the world fame. One of the greatest fighters of all time !!!

[@baatyryoksyman2910]

Buakaw is a legend known for insane power, speed, skills, toughness, aggression and technique. He is a impressive martial artist. Much respect !

[@timothybricker615]

Buakaw the Great. Tremendous stamina and heart.

[@FunksyenSg]

This man is a great example to athletes all around the world.. Love the sport, not the money and never trust your manager/agent..

[@cahyapurnama5763]

I love you from indonesia

[@zeframcochrane9979]

I would like to see an x-ray of Masato's chest area after the match with Buakaw. Afterwards he looked like his ribs were cracked. He wore a shirt to cover the bandages that supported his rib cage .. and obviously struggling when walking to not double over.

[@jct3686]

Great video Lawrence. For me, Buakaw is one of the big reason that I love Muay Thai. All my respect.

[@LawrenceKenshin]

cheers bro !

[@jmlboom3142]

Buakaw is the GOAT of thai boxing.👊💪🙏♥️👍

[@alexbublea]

Thank you for this video! I've trained him and with him for a year and a half. There's so much the world doesn't know about what he's done...

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Cheers bro, loved the documentary Dakota made of you. You’re a beast with a warriors heart !

[@majesty1803]

Hey Alex I am starting muay thai any tips to know I have done boxing but never muay thai and I don't want to join a gym that will just take my money I was thinking to train in Thailand for a few months throw myself in the deep end. What is your opinion? Thanks

[@killakilla9203]

What I learned during this video: *Buakaw was an underdog who became one of the greatest Muay Thai/kick boxers of all time *It's very difficult to watch awesome fights and read text at the same time

[@justinnardine8564]

His cardio and pace is amazing.

[@mikeandmutley9604]

Brilliant Lawrence. Thanks for posting. Buakaw was my inspiration to carry on training/fighting after serious injury

[@LawrenceKenshin]

thank you bro, he almost quit after a knee injury! his physical therapist healed him and together they opened a gym together!

[@rickhawk6131]

He is my favorite Thai fighters! And I like the voice instead of texts during the videos because I had to pause and read while watching. Thanks Lawrence I am a huge fan!

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Thanks bro! Really appreciate your support !

[@goranhorvat1064]

I CAN say only.. BIG RESPECT TO BUAKAW.. TRUE LEGEND OF MUAY THAI AND GREAT PERSON, RESPECT👍👏

[@ng98youtube]

Legend

[@code-dredd]

Hmm, I wasn't aware that people in the witness protection program were posting videos here.

[@LawrenceKenshin]

hahahaha

[@demitrus1350]

Lmao

[@budakcacat8828]

@@LawrenceKenshin try another voice over from smone else 👍🏼❤️

[@Omrie69]

I guess this was the reason why most people fell in love with him, just reminded me of a young Mike Tyson, ferocious, relentless and with that constant pressure he mentally broke their spirits. True warrior in every way. oh and great video once again buddy! don't worry your identity is safe with me.. ;)

[@MrHeathcliff83]

both guys, with mental problems, put on the fire from guys who just wanted more money. both are great guys but victims to this gambling mafia.

[@billybandana8]

Chris N. What mental problems does buakaw have that you are claiming.

[@bitchoflivingblah]

9:44 - I love how Masato refused to give his hand to the referee, then when he did a few moments later swing around and applauded Buakaw even before he heard the decision, he was never ever going to take a wrong decision. Honour mattered more to him.

[@jellebag]

Yes i noticed that too. He recognized the shameless corruption of the judges and did not want to be a part of it. Very honorable

[@babysuper1713]

Buakaw " God of War " He inspires me to train. He's not going to fight, he's going to war like nobody.

[@RichterBelmont2235]

If this was a videogame, Buakaw is the sole example of a character with a move so strong the game straight up banned and remove all similar moves after season 1 patch.

[@BrownLenny]

one of my favorite sports and Buakaw as a person fantastic sportsmanship.

[@LawrenceKenshin]

indeed

[@dhare07]

I saw this guy in s Netflix mov movie about young man destined to be a great fighter. Broken Sword Hero had become one of my favorite martial Arts movies. I noticed his form and thought to myself 'he has to be a professional fighter'. I don't know much about martial Arts other than some really good films like Jet Li's Fearless movie. But this guy caught my attention. I pray he gets to continue doing what he loves and one day enter into an HONEST arena. God speed Buakaw. Forgive me if I've misspelled his name.

[@bones0184]

Buakaw to me , is Muay Thai .

[@Freediv_e]

Buakaw deserve that glory.

[@kevinthomas7259]

Buakaw glory lasts forever

[@kevinthomas7259]

Watching buakaw fights, its a horrible idea to get him angry, he turns it up into crazy beast mode where he will fire deadly strikes

[@deantimothy4386]

True respect to the Japanese guy for staying solid! But buakaw has became my idol! Holy shit

[@scarlm4166]

Buakaw, the best of the best ever. Legendary fighter. Impressive martial artist. Respect !

[@LawrenceKenshin]

super legend

[@LiwaySaGu]

buakaw is beauty in the ring. he's the most beautiful fighter; his moves are art

[@kevinthomas7259]

I absolutely agree with this comment, i watch bauka videos every morning for some inspiration

[@SamK-99]

For me is Buakaw, Anderson Silva, and Lerdsila. Most beautiful fighters in the ring. Pure natural talent 🔥🔥🔥

[@stamatisvragas7720]

Proud to have my guy Mike Zambidis as huge name, he is a really humble guy with a good story too

[@cocoyrefugio329]

Masato face was priceless when the judge's decided to sent him out for final round. Masato was like, "What? I'm going to get a beating again for one more round"!!

[@nemoatlantis7148]

I think masato is a decent man, he'd have thought that the judges shame him for going against the obvious decision too

[@samaurai5832]

What a embodiment of a true warrior

[@doogz32]

2:28 That grin on Buakaw's face confirmed beast mode now activated.

[@joecoonan3931]

That defeat of Masato in the prime of his career....What a display... I remember that fight, being a huge fan of the K-1 from the start.. What a legend the titanium built little Thai warrior is. A true superstar.