By MARK REY MONTEJO
Film-Japanese Junna Tsukii will move to a different path in her sporting career after retiring from karate and shifting to mixed martial arts, she announced on her social media post Wednesday evening, June 12.
Tsukii, a Southeast Asian Games multi-medalist, disclosed her departure to karate which has been her sport since she was seven years old.
She did not disclose the reason behind but part of it was the wear and tear having undergone multiple surgeries in the past.
The 32-year-old karateka expressed her gratitude to her fans and hoped that they continue to support her in the new chapter of her life.
“Thank you for your continued warm support. I have decided to graduate from being an active karate athlete, which I have been doing for 26 years, and switch to mixed martial arts (MMA),” said Tsukii S in her heartfelt post.
“Although the stage will change, I will continue to challenge myself with all my might so that we can continue to be excited together with everyone,” she added. “So I would be happy if you would continue to give me your warm support.”
Tsukii began her karate journey at very young age and became one of the best youth athletes in Japan.
At 17, she had a surgery on both of her knees but that didn’t hinder Tsukii from becoming a part of the Philippine national team.
However, the former Takushoku University standout underwent multiple surgeries anew in her 20s which gave her a hard time.
“You’ve worked hard, so I guess it’s okay to live a quiet life now,” she continued.
“I just want to fly around the world and go crazy to death and apply more to my life. Excited to do more with everyone,” she concluded.
Tsukii kicks off her MMA debut against Japanese Ruka Sakamoto on Aug. 31 in Odaiba, Japan.
