Naruto Columns
07/13/2023
The Leaf Hurricane Brought to Life! Rising Star of the Mixed Martial Arts World, Tatsuro Taira, Recreates NARUTO's Taijutsu!
NARUTO is known for its multitude of flashy ninjutsu, but two characters in the series stand out for the way they rely on taijutsu to fight instead: Might Guy and Rock Lee. Lee is particularly unique in the NARUTO world. Although unable to use ninjutsu, he hones his taijutsu abilities through sheer determination to the point where he can mow down enemies using purely physical attacks.
How powerful would their taijutsu moves be in a real-life fight? Are there situations in which they could be used advantageously? We asked a professional martial artist to recreate some of Guy and Lee's taijutsu techniques in an attempt to answer these questions.
How powerful would their taijutsu moves be in a real-life fight? Are there situations in which they could be used advantageously? We asked a professional martial artist to recreate some of Guy and Lee's taijutsu techniques in an attempt to answer these questions.
Tatsuro Taira is a 23-year-old mixed martial artist. He is the 8th champion of Japanese martial arts organization SHOOTO's worldwide flyweight competition, and is a fighter known for his incredible strength, remaining undefeated throughout his pro-am fights (25 wins, 0 losses). He is currently participating at the peak of the mixed martial arts world, the United States' UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), and has shown his impressive talent there as well, with 3 wins and 0 losses (as of May 2023).
If you're wondering why such a star athlete agreed to assist us, that's because Tatsuro himself is a big fan of NARUTO!
If you're wondering why such a star athlete agreed to assist us, that's because Tatsuro himself is a big fan of NARUTO!
And that's how Tatsuro ended up joining us for this interview. We started off with some general questions about the secrets behind his strength and how he connects with NARUTO personally before moving on to the latter half of our time with him, where he treated us to an astonishingly high-quality recreation of NARUTO's taijutsu.
Table of Contents
・The UFC: Every Mixed Martial Artist's Dream
・Tatsuro's Fighting Style: The Third Hokage's?
・Seeing Myself in Naruto's Growth Through Training
・Tatsuro Taira's Stunningly Accurate Recreation of NARUTO Moves
・Leaf Whirlwind
・Dynamic Entry
・Leaf Hurricane
・Leaf Rising Wind
・Severe Leaf Hurricane
・I Want to Be a Man of My Word Like Naruto
・Tatsuro's Fighting Style: The Third Hokage's?
・Seeing Myself in Naruto's Growth Through Training
・Tatsuro Taira's Stunningly Accurate Recreation of NARUTO Moves
・Leaf Whirlwind
・Dynamic Entry
・Leaf Hurricane
・Leaf Rising Wind
・Severe Leaf Hurricane
・I Want to Be a Man of My Word Like Naruto
—I think the UFC is well-known enough that even people who don't follow combat sports have heard of it, but how is it viewed by professional martial artists?
Tatsuro: When I first became a professional, it seemed like an impossible fantasy—something so lofty that I wondered if it was even realistic for me to aim that high. But after winning the SHOOTO belt, I spoke with the president of my gym (THE PARAESTRA OKINAWA) about my plans for the future, and the UFC began to seem like an actual option. I started allowing myself to seriously consider it as a goal.
I felt like I was in a dream last year when I signed my contract with the UFC and had my debut date decided. I never even imagined being able to fight in America back when I first started martial arts.
—Did you feel anything change about yourself after joining the UFC?
Tatsuro: I started enjoying training even more than before.
Tatsuro: When I first became a professional, it seemed like an impossible fantasy—something so lofty that I wondered if it was even realistic for me to aim that high. But after winning the SHOOTO belt, I spoke with the president of my gym (THE PARAESTRA OKINAWA) about my plans for the future, and the UFC began to seem like an actual option. I started allowing myself to seriously consider it as a goal.
I felt like I was in a dream last year when I signed my contract with the UFC and had my debut date decided. I never even imagined being able to fight in America back when I first started martial arts.
—Did you feel anything change about yourself after joining the UFC?
Tatsuro: I started enjoying training even more than before.
Mixed martial artists have backgrounds in a wide variety of styles. The UFC is an arena that draws elite fighters from around the world, so it's full of people who have achieved mastery in all kinds of areas, such as grappling, wrestling, and boxing. With all these athletes using different styles, I had to train harder and think more about how I should be fighting each of them. Just from that, mixed martial arts itself became a lot more fun for me.
—You started martial arts in your first year of high school, right? I've heard fighters at the UFC level usually start much younger.
Tatsuro: That's true. I had only played baseball up until that point. I'm sure there are other professionals like me who don't have as much experience, but most UFC fighters are elites with a strong background in martial arts. I consider it an honor to be able to compete with such high-level athletes.
—Ryo, you're a martial artist and SHOOTO champion just like Tatsuro. Does the UFC mean something special to you as well?
—You started martial arts in your first year of high school, right? I've heard fighters at the UFC level usually start much younger.
Tatsuro: That's true. I had only played baseball up until that point. I'm sure there are other professionals like me who don't have as much experience, but most UFC fighters are elites with a strong background in martial arts. I consider it an honor to be able to compete with such high-level athletes.
—Ryo, you're a martial artist and SHOOTO champion just like Tatsuro. Does the UFC mean something special to you as well?
Ryo Okada (hereafter, Ryo): I'd say it does. The UFC is the stage that every martial artist aims for. It's similar to the Olympics, or the World Cup for soccer—it's a level not just anyone can reach. Of course, there was a time when I tried to make it there as well. After I won the SHOOTO championship, I pursued the UFC through various channels, but never ended up getting a contract.
Tatsuro has accomplished what I wasn't able to. I was actually with him when he signed his UFC contract in Las Vegas, and have been at all three of his fights so far as part of his corner team. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to see him making the same dream I had a reality.
—Despite the many Japanese people who have fought in the UFC, none of them have managed to reach the top. But Japan is expecting great things from Tatsuro.
Ryo: I believe he has a real shot at being the first Japanese champion. Breaking onto the scene with a three-win streak has gained him plenty of attention in America as well. I think he has lots of viewers wondering "What's with this Japanese guy?"
Even though he didn't have much experience as a martial artist, he put his whole mind and body into training to acquire the strength he has now. I think he may very well stand at the top one day, just like Naruto went from failing ninja classes to attaining his dream of becoming Hokage.
Tatsuro has accomplished what I wasn't able to. I was actually with him when he signed his UFC contract in Las Vegas, and have been at all three of his fights so far as part of his corner team. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to see him making the same dream I had a reality.
—Despite the many Japanese people who have fought in the UFC, none of them have managed to reach the top. But Japan is expecting great things from Tatsuro.
Ryo: I believe he has a real shot at being the first Japanese champion. Breaking onto the scene with a three-win streak has gained him plenty of attention in America as well. I think he has lots of viewers wondering "What's with this Japanese guy?"
Even though he didn't have much experience as a martial artist, he put his whole mind and body into training to acquire the strength he has now. I think he may very well stand at the top one day, just like Naruto went from failing ninja classes to attaining his dream of becoming Hokage.
—What kind of things do you think make you stand out as a fighter?
Tatsuro: Before a fight, I tend to worry about all sorts of things, like if I'll be able to react and move correctly. But I think my defining characteristic as a fighter is that once the match starts, I can go straight into an aggressive offense. So recently, rather than thinking about every little thing before a fight, I try to just get into this mindset of "believing in myself as I am on that day". My goal as an athlete is to be able to aim for a finish against any opponent (not winning by decision, but settling a match within the time limit with strikes, a pin, etc.).
—Ryo, what do you think makes Taira great as a mixed martial artist?
Ryo: First off, in terms of ability, he can perform almost all types of mixed martial arts techniques at a high level. This is similar to the Third Hokage (Hiruzen Sarutobi), who is a well-balanced ninja and highly skilled in all areas.
Tatsuro: Before a fight, I tend to worry about all sorts of things, like if I'll be able to react and move correctly. But I think my defining characteristic as a fighter is that once the match starts, I can go straight into an aggressive offense. So recently, rather than thinking about every little thing before a fight, I try to just get into this mindset of "believing in myself as I am on that day". My goal as an athlete is to be able to aim for a finish against any opponent (not winning by decision, but settling a match within the time limit with strikes, a pin, etc.).
—Ryo, what do you think makes Taira great as a mixed martial artist?
Ryo: First off, in terms of ability, he can perform almost all types of mixed martial arts techniques at a high level. This is similar to the Third Hokage (Hiruzen Sarutobi), who is a well-balanced ninja and highly skilled in all areas.
—I really do appreciate all the NARUTO comparisons (laughs).
Ryo: I'm a huge NARUTO fan too by the way! (laughs) But, jokes aside, the comparison really does hold up. Tatsuro has learned a number of martial arts techniques in his early 20s at a level that normally takes people 10 years to achieve. I think this is a truly amazing feat to accomplish by his age.
Ryo: I'm a huge NARUTO fan too by the way! (laughs) But, jokes aside, the comparison really does hold up. Tatsuro has learned a number of martial arts techniques in his early 20s at a level that normally takes people 10 years to achieve. I think this is a truly amazing feat to accomplish by his age.
Also, Tatsuro has already mentioned this, but his ability to attack aggressively is amazing. Ordinary fighters find this difficult because when you're aggressive, you create a lot of openings for your opponent and risk being counterattacked.
In a mixed martial arts fight, you have to continually choose whether to take a risk or play it safe. Most fighters, including myself, tend to err on the side of caution. But Tatsuro—even in situations where most people would choose the safer route—does the opposite, boldly going on the offensive. He truly is a brave fighter. Even though he gets so pessimistic and nervous before fights (laughs).
—I saw one of Tatsuro's fights where he caused his opponent to lose balance with a strike. In that short moment where his opponent faltered, he instantly took advantage of the opening, got behind them, and finished the match. That kind of bold offensive is really characteristic of Tatsuro, isn't it?
Ryo: In that fight, Tatsuro's opponent hadn't completely lost consciousness, so he could still have countered. Most fighters would take this into consideration and try to maintain a favorable position to show control of their opponent and give a good impression to the judges, but Tatsuro made the choice to push his advantage and get behind the other fighter. That's what makes his matches so interesting to watch.
In a mixed martial arts fight, you have to continually choose whether to take a risk or play it safe. Most fighters, including myself, tend to err on the side of caution. But Tatsuro—even in situations where most people would choose the safer route—does the opposite, boldly going on the offensive. He truly is a brave fighter. Even though he gets so pessimistic and nervous before fights (laughs).
—I saw one of Tatsuro's fights where he caused his opponent to lose balance with a strike. In that short moment where his opponent faltered, he instantly took advantage of the opening, got behind them, and finished the match. That kind of bold offensive is really characteristic of Tatsuro, isn't it?
Ryo: In that fight, Tatsuro's opponent hadn't completely lost consciousness, so he could still have countered. Most fighters would take this into consideration and try to maintain a favorable position to show control of their opponent and give a good impression to the judges, but Tatsuro made the choice to push his advantage and get behind the other fighter. That's what makes his matches so interesting to watch.
—I would like to talk about your love for NARUTO next. You love NARUTO so much that you made the horse hand sign in the ring, right?
Tatsuro: I really do love NARUTO. If it was allowed, I would absolutely enter the ring wearing a Hidden Leaf Village headband.
—What led to you liking NARUTO so much?
Tatsuro: At first, I was influenced by my older brother. We would watch the anime together when I was maybe in the 3rd grade of elementary school. Around my first year in junior high was when I started watching the whole show from episode 1. At my school, some people were pretty serious fans of other shows, and I often got into fights with friends about this stuff. I would insist that if characters from both shows fought, the NARUTO character would win (laughs).
—Who is your favorite character?
Tatsuro: When I was in middle school, it was Deidara. I would draw pictures of mouths on my palms and play around like I was him.
I particularly liked the Deidara VS Sasuke fight.
Tatsuro: I really do love NARUTO. If it was allowed, I would absolutely enter the ring wearing a Hidden Leaf Village headband.
—What led to you liking NARUTO so much?
Tatsuro: At first, I was influenced by my older brother. We would watch the anime together when I was maybe in the 3rd grade of elementary school. Around my first year in junior high was when I started watching the whole show from episode 1. At my school, some people were pretty serious fans of other shows, and I often got into fights with friends about this stuff. I would insist that if characters from both shows fought, the NARUTO character would win (laughs).
—Who is your favorite character?
Tatsuro: When I was in middle school, it was Deidara. I would draw pictures of mouths on my palms and play around like I was him.
I particularly liked the Deidara VS Sasuke fight.
I didn't really think he was that strong at the time, so I was really surprised at the fact that he almost took Sasuke down with him. But in the end, he was no match for the Sharingan. That was a hard blow for me. I find Deidara's character to be very interesting and captivating.
After that, it would be Naruto. I particularly liked how he was while learning "Sage Mode".
After that, it would be Naruto. I particularly liked how he was while learning "Sage Mode".
At the time, I thought, "How can he beat Pain when even Jiraiya couldn't?" But by learning about Sage Jutsu he finds hope that he can win, and so he begins his training. I find his growth through training very admirable. For me, if my opponent's weak point is grappling, I practice that extensively. When I've found a way to beat my opponent, training becomes more fun. I feel like I see something of this in Naruto's training too.
—In NARUTO, the methods and training needed to defeat a certain opponent are clearly laid out.
Tatsuro: The logic behind NARUTO is part of what makes it so appealing. It isn't just about the more powerful fighter winning. The relationship between chakra natures also factors into battles, and seeing battle tactics based on these things is pretty interesting.
—If you could pick a chakra nature, which one would you want?
Tatsuro: I guess lightning. There are a lot of characters I like who have lightning nature chakra, like Kakashi and Darui.
—In NARUTO, the methods and training needed to defeat a certain opponent are clearly laid out.
Tatsuro: The logic behind NARUTO is part of what makes it so appealing. It isn't just about the more powerful fighter winning. The relationship between chakra natures also factors into battles, and seeing battle tactics based on these things is pretty interesting.
—If you could pick a chakra nature, which one would you want?
Tatsuro: I guess lightning. There are a lot of characters I like who have lightning nature chakra, like Kakashi and Darui.
Lightning Blade is also pretty cool. I like the scene where Kakashi soundlessly pierces through Kakuzu from behind.
—I'm curious, which character do you think Tatsuro is most similar to, Ryo?
Ryo: Well, I guess it would be Naruto. As I said before, Tatsuro isn't some kind of born and bred martial arts elite. So, if he had to take the Chunin Exam as a kid, he probably wouldn't have made the cut. But he never gave up and practiced over and over every day to get stronger. His willpower is reminiscent of Naruto's.
Ryo: Well, I guess it would be Naruto. As I said before, Tatsuro isn't some kind of born and bred martial arts elite. So, if he had to take the Chunin Exam as a kid, he probably wouldn't have made the cut. But he never gave up and practiced over and over every day to get stronger. His willpower is reminiscent of Naruto's.
Naruto's relationship with his teachers also reminds me of Tatsuro. Naruto was blessed with many teachers, first Iruka, then Kakashi, Jiraiya, and after that his father Minato for a brief period when he was temporarily resurrected. Tatsuro's first teacher, his "Iruka", was Ryota Matsune. No matter how strong Tatsuro gets, he's never neglected training with his first teacher. The way he holds that master-pupil relationship close to heart feels very Naruto-esque.
Now that we've heard all about Tatsuro's strength and his thoughts on NARUTO, it's time for the hands-on portion. We had him reproduce the techniques of NARUTO's close combat specialists, Rock Lee and Might Guy. The moves chosen this time were ones Tatsuro himself wanted to try or thought he might be able to use in real matches.
First, he tried reproducing the moves as they appear in the manga panels. Then he showed us how he'd adjust them for a real fight and explained how they might be used.
First, he tried reproducing the moves as they appear in the manga panels. Then he showed us how he'd adjust them for a real fight and explained how they might be used.
First up is the "Leaf Whirlwind" (as used by Rock Lee).
A powerful low roundhouse back kick that sweeps the opponent's legs and knocks them down. As both legs must be swept at a high speed, this is probably more difficult than it looks, but when Tatsuro tried it, it ended up this way.
If you were to use the Leaf Whirlwind in a real match:
●Ways to use the Leaf Whirlwind according to Tatsuro
Tatsuro: If you catch an incoming high kick, that's your chance to use the Leaf Whirlwind. If the opponent has gone in for a kick then naturally—with one foot up in the air and the other holding up all their weight—they'll be very easy to knock over with a leg sweep. You can then start grappling or striking from a good position.
The next move is the "Dynamic Entry" (used by Rock Lee and Might Guy).
A brazen flying kick that strikes the opponent head-on. Uses nothing but the explosive vigor of youth to overwhelm the enemy.
To practically execute the Dynamic Entry:
●Ways to use the Dynamic Entry according to Tatsuro
Tatsuro: There's a move in MMA called a "front kick" which is quite similar. This feels like a front kick with more momentum. I think if you were to apply it in a match, you'd use it to catch your opponent by surprise. The instant the bell rings, dash straight at your opponent, aim for the chest, and kick them back into the cage mesh. Since it leaves an impression, they would probably be ready for it if you used it again, but I think you could take advantage of that and feint the move to go in for a low tackle.
Next up is the "Leaf Hurricane" (used by Rock Lee and Might Guy).
A taijutsu technique that flies at the enemy while unleashing a barrage of high and low spinning kicks at full speed. I don't think a normal person could make so many quick turns, but what about Tatsuro?
How would he use this move in a real fight...?
●Ways to use the Leaf Hurricane according to Tatsuro
Tatsuro: I often do back-spin kicks, and this move has a pretty similar motion. This is a big move so you'll probably leave openings, but I think it could be interesting if you tried aiming for the face with the first high kick. Spinning kicks have a lot of weight behind them, so using the blunt force of your heel to strike might KO the opponent. The idea would be to aim for a gap in their guard to hit the temple, which is a weak point. Even if that doesn't work, there's a chance that the follow-up low kick could break their stance.
Let's keep it going. The fourth technique is the "Leaf Rising Wind" (as used by Rock Lee).
A high kick that lifts and disarms the opponent. This is a fairly simplistic move, but one that requires incredible leg strength, jumping force, and flexibility.
How would the Leaf Rising Wind be used in an actual match?!
●Ways to use the Leaf Rising Wind according to Tatsuro
Tatsuro: I think this technique is intended as a jump kick against a taller opponent, but MMA has fairly strict weight classifications. This means you're not likely to face an opponent whose height is drastically different from your own, so there might not be many chances to use it. The only way I think I might use this move is from a lying position instead of a standing one. It could be used as a comeback technique when you've been knocked down by your opponent and are about to be attacked from above. You could aim at the opponent's chin, and kick up from below with the sole of your foot. If it goes well, you might even get a KO.
Finally we have the "Severe Leaf Hurricane" (as used by Might Guy).
A blindingly fast back-spin kick that smashes into the enemy with overwhelming force. Too quick to avoid, too strong to block... Basically, an unbelievable technique.
In short, this is a move that takes the Leaf Hurricane and adds Herculean strength. Easier said than done. I doubt anyone but Guy can perform this.
In short, this is a move that takes the Leaf Hurricane and adds Herculean strength. Easier said than done. I doubt anyone but Guy can perform this.
Surely the Severe Leaf Hurricane must be impossible to use in a real fight...?
●Ways to use the Severe Leaf Hurricane according to Tatsuro
Tatsuro: If you drive your opponent closer to the cage wall and eliminate their avenues of retreat, you can deal more damage. A heavyweight kick like this has a lot of force behind it, so if you strike the liver, the opponent might have trouble getting back on their feet.
Maybe we should have expected this from a top-level UFC fighter, but he sure is amazing to be able to reproduce these just by looking at manga panels.
But can these moves actually be used in MMA matches? We asked for all four moves to be performed in succession while envisioning a real match—a sort of "Tatsuro Barrage", if you will.
But can these moves actually be used in MMA matches? We asked for all four moves to be performed in succession while envisioning a real match—a sort of "Tatsuro Barrage", if you will.
A combination of NARUTO moves finishing with Tatsuro's specialty, a chokehold. I bet his American fans who like NARUTO will get a kick out of this one! There may even come a day when the Leaf Hurricane is unleashed in the UFC Octagon.
—Wow, Tatsuro. That was truly impressive. The last thing I want to ask is, what have you learned from NARUTO?
Tatsuro: There's so much that it's difficult to say... But I think the most influential thing has been the way Naruto follows through on what he says about his dreams. He says he's going to be Hokage countless times and then takes action to achieve that—it's very moving. At first nobody even takes it seriously, but then slowly they start to think "maybe he can really do it...", and finally, it's clear he's the only man for the job. That really taught me the importance of believing in yourself 100% no matter how unattainable your dream might seem. Actually, rather than something I've learned, it's more something I hope to emulate.
—You have your dream of becoming the UFC champion, after all.
Tatsuro: When I became a professional fighter, if I'd said "I'm going to be number one in the UFC", nobody would have taken it seriously. I couldn't even imagine myself making it onto that stage back then. But now I can confidently say without hesitation: I want to be the champion. I hope to get closer to that goal, little by little, and show everyone that I can put my money where my mouth is.
—You have your dream of becoming the UFC champion, after all.
Tatsuro: When I became a professional fighter, if I'd said "I'm going to be number one in the UFC", nobody would have taken it seriously. I couldn't even imagine myself making it onto that stage back then. But now I can confidently say without hesitation: I want to be the champion. I hope to get closer to that goal, little by little, and show everyone that I can put my money where my mouth is.
Interview and article: Noriyuki Enami (Yajirobe)
Photography: Nanako Ono
Photography: Nanako Ono
