Shinya Aoki
Black
Biography
Shinya Aoki is a Japanese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and judo black belt, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and feared submission specialists in the history of mixed martial arts and professional grappling.
Known by the nickname “Tobikan Judan,” meaning Grandmaster of Flying Submissions, Aoki is a former two-time ONE Lightweight World Champion, former DREAM Lightweight Champion, and former Shooto Welterweight Champion.
Aoki’s game is built on an elite grappling pedigree, including titles such as the ADCC Japan Championship and multiple All Japan Jiu-Jitsu Championship victories.
Across his MMA career, he has secured over 30 victories by submission, demonstrating one of the most versatile and aggressive submission skill sets in the sport.
He is particularly known for finishing elite opponents with rare and unorthodox techniques, including the gogoplata, twister, heel hook, and standing armbar (waki gatame).
A central figure in Asian martial arts for more than two decades, Aoki continues to compete in both MMA and submission grappling superfights.
Personal
* Legend status is reserved for retired athletes with outstanding achievements and a lasting impact on the sport.
Rankings
Submissions Breakdown
| Submission | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Rear naked | 0 | 1 |
| Arm-in guillotine | 0 | 1 |
| Inside heel hook | 0 | 1 |
| Aoki lock | 0 | 1 |
| Straight ankle lock | 0 | 1 |
| Opponent | Result | Date | Event | Method | Weight | Round | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cole Abate | Loss | 2024 | ONE Fight Night 26 | Straight ankle lock | NA | — | — |
| Mikey Musumeci | Loss | 2023 | ONE Fight Night 15 | Aoki lock | Absolute | — | — |
| Kade Ruotolo | Loss | 2022 | ONE 157 | Decision | NA | — | — |
| Garry Tonon | Loss | 2017 | ONE | Inside heel hook | 76KG | — | — |
| Kron Gracie | Loss | 2013 | Metamoris 2 | Arm-in guillotine | Absolute | — | — |
| Marcelo Garcia | Loss | 2005 | ADCC | Rear naked | 77KG | Quarter-Finals | — |