The Swiss Karate master became the first non-Japanese finalist at the Kyokushin-style World Championships. In the early days of K-1 he turned into a kickboxing superstar, beat the best to ever do it and won the most prestigious Grand Prix in 1996. For his artistic technique and respectful attitude towards rivals, Andy was lovingly nicknamed "The Blue-Eyed Samurai”. Today we remember high-velocity knockouts and the journey of Andy Hug.
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It took the record number of days to put the whole Andy's career together. If you enjoyed it, wield an axe kick to the like button and subscribe to our channel.
Fantastic work! really top notch biodocumentary
We have to, we can't resist from liking and subscribing ❤️
Damn. What a story.
Goddamnit, I just broke my phone screen while attempting to axe kick the like button. Worth it.
10 Thumbs up on this bio documentary! Thank you.
And what many don't know: He choreographed the fights in the amazing Street Fighter II animated movie. These are still considered some of the best fight scenes in anime.
I had no clue he did that for the movie, that's badass
Your comment is why KZhead is so valuable, great info from users. It's not Google that made this platform so great, it's the users. Google has tried so hard to eff things up, but I just wanted to let everyone know, please remember that there is a literal gold mine of info provided peer to peer such as the comment from my man right here. Google sucks, but users still impress me every single day.
@@patrickm103 easy with the cannabis
That is a great piece of information!
@@patrickm103 I've seen far too many people sharing myths and legends in comments to feel the same way. As my knowledge of history, science, and politics grows, I see more and more inaccurate information being shared on social media. The comments are less goldmine, more minefield. In this particular case, the information shared happens to be verifiable, so we didn't hit a mine this time. But I'd pump the brakes on believing things you read in comments in general.
I knew Andy since he was 15 years old and last saw him before he flew to Japan, where he died shortly afterwards. At our last meeting, he complained that he felt very tired and weak. Even today, his sudden and unexpected death is still very much on my mind. Rest in peace, my old friend.
Sorry for your loss. What an awesome fighter.
Das tut mir leid. Ich lernte ihn auch kennen, was für ein lieber Mensch. Beste Grüße
Must have been an honor to have such friend rip. Let me ask you something if you can answer me. He had this fearless attitude and conviction. Where did he get that? Or how did he tap into it? Thanks
Ich hett ihn au gern mal känneglernt... bin leider no en z chliine bueb gsi aber de held und es vorbild ischer für eus alli gsi! Vergisse ihn nie! R.I.P. andy hug
@@lur3950 didnt know him but from experience in kickboxing and mma it is something your born with along with upbringing, along with confidence in your training.
I shed a tear, we can hardly find any karateka who possess skill, power, agility and fight IQ like Andy Hug anymore. His will is his sword, RIP the legend.
Wonder boy still getting it in
ANDREW TATE
@@leelunk8235 disgusting
Follow One Championship MMA. Kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA. There you will Find many fighters that are Like Andy Hug and even better. Its The Biggest MMA organization in The world. I am sure Andy would be Fighting over there If he was alive and between 20 to 40 years. Its way better than American organizations Like Bellator PFL or even UFC. Just Check it out
Only if they were saved. God is very clear who goes to Heaven and who goes to Hell.
im from Switzerland and Andy Hug is an absloute Legend in Martial Arts. RIP only the good die young.
I vividly remember how shocked everyone was here in Switzerland when he died. RIP Andy 🖤
I still remember the day he passed. I was working out in a local gym in Japan, the whole place fell silent. OSU 🥋🙏
JuuùùúmI
What does OSU mean? Is it like OOS?
Yeah, that’s what it is, Steven - “osu” is the Japanese way to spell the word also written as “oss” or “oos”, because it’s a masculine exclamation that has the typically-silent 'u'. Very rough-n-ready, which is part of why it’s so deeply associated with Kyokushin.
This guy was the reason I started Kyokushin, Kickboxing and now Muay Thai
Seriously was a class act and we lost a champion.
Same for me
You told his story with the utmost respect. Well done sir.
Thank you for introducing me to this legend. He is gaining fans even from the afterlife. Pure definition of transcendence
Poor Andy. I remember our last conversation at a train station on the Yamanote Line heading for Shibuya one day. He was in a good mood and we chatted and laughed about his career, the girls, the glamor of the whole thing and he was in fine form. He was a gentle and polite guy who took his martial arts seriously but lived his life well and was full of humor and wonder at how things had turned out for him during those heady days of the 90s in Japan. RIP champ.
Yes buddy, we all 3 had so much fun on this day... I still remember by heart what he said while a cute babe sat on the bench next to us, do you remember it as well? RIP Andy
@@Tsahalal ? I have no idea what you are on about...
I think the Japanese adopted him as their own, and when you give your life to asian customs then there is no better funerals than this. My sister married a Japanese man 25 years ago, she moved there to live, and makes me speak Japanese when I talk on phone with her, she is completely Japanese now, not white anymore, this is what the culture does, the beauty of of it makes you immerse to want to be part of the amazing culture. BTW, my sis can hardly speak English anymore, isn't that wild? If I don't say moshimoshi on the phone she berates me to no end, so that should tell you right there. 😂
@@GM-fh5jp That other person is sarcastically implying that your story is made up.
@@choronos Yes, you're probably right. What a jerk. Hard to imagine the need to troll a video like this tribute to Andy tho :/ I lived in Japan for 20 yrs...too bad we don't have audio replies as I check his Japanese levels and pronunciation. Suddenly the troll gets owned...
Andy was tough and fought hard but he never seemed to hit more than was necessary to win. He treated his opponents with dignity.
I always felt the same way when I got to watch him fight. Unlike many others (esp in 2023), he practiced what he preached - true sportsmanship! As long as it was a fair match, no cheating, BS illegal hits, etc - while it's good to win, it's also all good if u lost. Work harder and try again.
I also feel that way!!!
great observation. powerful, thanks for sharing the thought
Respect
The most technical fighter of all time! A man with balls, dignity and attitude! He posted online a day before he left this world. Man of steel.
I remember that we were on a 5 day excursion with the school, we we're in the mountains practically isolated from the rest of the world. At Friday we went back and arriving in Zurich, I saw the newspapers with the Front Page that Hug died. I felt like in an other timeline for a second. He was so strong and one day he was gone. We couldn't believe it. Gone too early, never forgotten! Rest in Peace Sensei Hug. 🙏
Andy Hug was the goat no question about it. Nice to see some documentary about him years later. RIP champ!
Hug possessed that unique combination of flexibility, athleticism, skill and warrior spirit and perhaps most of all courage. Tragic to suddenly contract blood cancer at that age. A big loss to the martial arts world, but a never ending inspiration to all who want to follow the way of the warrior.
What an amazing story, RIP Andy ❤
Amen 🙏
RIP Andy Hug. A real Warrior King 👑 The Blue Eyed Samurai 💙 You’ll never be forgotten in the Martial Arts World 🌎
I thought I knew many of the K1 fighters but never heard of Andy. I am glad I stumbled on to this video of him! I am now a fan! RIP Andy Hug!
Andy was a true martial artist a true legend of the craft. He will never be forgotten that's for sure.
Loved Andy Hug. Seeing him fight in Japan back in 1999, its hard to emphasise HOW popular he was in Japan, like full blown celebrity, not like the current UFC guys at all. When I heard he died it really hurt me. I remember crying for over an hour. What a fucking legend.
never heard of him before but this short video makes me feel like I know him, like I'm a big fan of him. amazed by his power, skills and those kicks. and I'm not ready for the end part, I burst my tear. RIP Andy, now you are my legend
Never heard of him? Lol. Any search of axe kicks will def have Andy
Same here. Never heard of him before, but boy what a fighter he was. Beating crocop at his own game, is quite an achievement. Rest in peace OSU🙏
Only if they were saved. God is very clear who goes to Heaven and who goes to Hell.
@@markjordan1765 gfy
@@cristip8931 Tell God not me. I hope you repent and put your trust in Jesus Christ. God will give you Hell son. Good luck.
Bursted in tears. Was my hero back in the days and the reason I started learning martial arts. Thank you. ❤
Me too mate. Andy was the reason I took up Karate and stopped being the kid getting picked on. He was literally one of the few persons, that made me better being, when I was at rock bottom.
I love MMA, but watching this makes me really feel like I missed out on the golden era of fighting
I feel you. K1 was epic back then.
K1 was amazing. MMA is pretty good.
Hitting someone on the ground is pointless according to me. Would be sad to see great fightiers like Hoost and Hug on the the ground one on the top of each other like children fighting in a schoolyard.
@@dextrosebizarre just wait until someone takes you down and chokes you out. Ground game is real, there's a reason Bruce Lee inducted it into his fighting after he met Gene LeBell
K1 was like the UFC now. All best talents were there. The level of kickboxing was breathtaking.
I have no words for this story given the ending , but give all my heart to his family. Clearly an amazing Human.
One of my inspirations. RIP Andy Hug.
Only if they were saved. God is very clear who goes to Heaven and who goes to Hell.
@@markjordan1765 pedophile
I can't believe this is my first time hearing about Andy. He's one of my favorites now. Absolutely amazing documentary, thank you.
What an awesome tribute to an awesome fighter Andy Hug…RIP. Bleu Eye Samurai
Only if they were saved. God is very clear who goes to Heaven and who goes to Hell.
@@markjordan1765 pedophile
Amazing docu.... I'm from the Netherlands, they ruled K1 . But respect to this great warrior. RIP LEGEND.🖤
Thank you for uploading this video. I'd never heard of him. This is probably the most inspiring story in martial arts that i've ever heard about. He didn't have near the reach that his opponents had on him but he still had fantastic success. What a story of determination and the pursuit of excellence with a never say die attitude. Salute and RESPECT to this giant of a man.
He was a unique fighter and an inspiration. I watched his goodbye fight at K1 Fight Night in Zurich vs Cro Cop. Whenever Andy walked into the K1 fight nights, using the we will rock you hymn, the place went crazy. A great man, incredible success story, pure will and skill. Rest in peace Andy, you will never be forgotten.
its funny because he reminds me of freddy mercury lol
Wow, thanks for all your hard work to put this beautiful tribute together. Without it I would not have had the pleasure to respect him for who he was.
How tf have I never heard of this guy. This dude is fckn amazing he makes his fights look like a choreographed movie fight perfect kicks and timing. His kicks are things ppl are taught but you never see these kicks used in real fights. Like that axe kick, fckn sick and to perfection. Seeing the end of this vid caught me by surprise. May he rest in peace. I just wish I could've known about him while he was living. But nonetheless, I'm glad I found this documentary. Very well put together and very respectful video. Thanks for this doc
Outstanding video and until I saw this I had never heard of Andy Hug. I'd say you did him one hell of a tribute here. Exciting, enthralling, and touching. thank you for your work. RIP Andy Hug.
I remember watching all his K-1 fights! Hug was truly ahead of his time and one of the best to ever do it! Rest well Blue Eyed Samurai rest well.
Rest-well blue-eyed Samurai you're an honourable bastard that's one of the highest compliment I can give a human being
What a great documentary honoring his fighting spirit. He will never be forgotten.
One the best documentaries I've ever seen. Been a fan of Hug since I bought K-1 dvd's as a kid. Guess it was hard to find his old fights in such a good quality. Thanks!
This is russian video "эра ММА"
Andy deseves to be remebered as one of the greats, thank you for making this video. I still remeber learning of his death, couldn't belive it was real. I still enjoy seeing his knockouts in the highlight compilations.
As a Tae Kwon Do black belt I used to think Ax kicks were not that effective, until I saw Andy Hug. He was a beast. Such a creative striker. he was the first to use the spinning hook kick to the opponents leg (that I know of). Like he did to Bernardo.
He also was one of the smallest guys in K1.
like something out of a video game or movie
Wow...I never pay attention to these heavy weight fighter and never heard of this guy before but I cried watching this video. Because this dude is a true warrior and fighter. It's like he loves fighting and he fought til the very end. It's his relentless fighting spirit that touches me. RIP
How does this only have 5,000 likes?? EXCELLENT JOB making this video about a person I can't believe I never heard of... R.I.P., Andy Hug... 🙏
Hi,now the likes hitt almost 10.000 !!
I don’t get glued to stories about fighters easily, but this video here is by far the best mini documentary I’ve seen on a fighter PERIOD!! I was completely sold. Honestly amazing job putting this together and telling Andy’s story. He’s probably up there watching now and impressed with how this was put together. U definitely had me completely glued to my chair watching every second of this video. U definitely have my Sub, and I’ll be looking forward to more videos 👍🏾
I had never heard of Andy Hug before watching your video. So happy I clicked on it and watched. What an amazing man. RIP Champ.
❤ Thank you for this! Saw his fights as a small child with my father.... and for all of us he was "the" roelmodel! we never forgot him, specially in switzerland!
RIP Andy, you were great warrior. Loved to watch K1 in 90s and 00s, you stood up there with greatest fighters of all times.
As a swiss who was a kid in the 90s i remember the buzz. But it is now that I realize that he is probably the greatest sportsman to ever hold a swiss passport. there is that thennis guy (roger). but Andy did it in a field unconquered by a swiss. I am not a fighter. but to read through the comments is hear warming. Dankä Andy. Bisch ä geilä Siech gsi. Abartig, was du erreicht hesch. Schlaf guet ❤
RIP, Andy, the blue-eyed samurai / warrior 🙏 Legends legacy live on forever!
Only if they were saved. God is very clear who goes to Heaven and who goes to Hell.
@@markjordan1765 pedophile
What a great documentary 👏👏👏 I‘ve never heard of his name before, but he was (from what I saw in these 42 minutes) a really great and skilled fighter. But his ending was tragic, to say the least 🥺 RIP Andy Hug, you definitely made an impact while you were on this planet 🙏 Kind regards from Germany 🇩🇪, Philipp
really amazing what you do here, reviving all those legends! I forgot how incredible Andy was! what a legend
A true warrior indeed. Great documentary! Brought back old memories when i was i a teenager, training martial arts and watching a lot of K-1. Andy Hug was one of my favorites. 😢
He is still and will always be a hero here in Switzerland 🇨🇭 R.I.P. champ
I was a big fan of his back in the K1 days. Loved imitating his axe kick. So sad that he died of illness, the worst enemy that scares and defeats even the strongest men. (Miyamoto Musashi, Ali, Zhang Fei just to name a few)🙏❤ Thank you for making this video!
He deserves a movie! A legend, even now I think one of the most skilled fighters if not the best in history of K1.
Andy was a freaking legend... One of the best to ever enter the ring. A man of honor and integrity. He was so good and always seemed to be in the finals or fighting the best to get to the top. He beat so many guys who would become legends themselves later on in their careers. I mean nobody will ever forget the Swiss Blue eyed Ninja 🥷🏻 He was fast and accurate and strong. I remember he always seemed like the shorter fighter but he fought like a Giant and feared no one. The day he died 😢 I think everyone who was a K-1 fan .. martial Arts fan or just loved Andy was all left in shock. I still remember it to this very day... Andy died on August 24th, 2000.. just 10 days after my father's 53rd Birthday. I was so sad and remember hearing he fell into a coma if I remember right. I cried because I loved the guy. He was one of my favorite fighters in the 1990s. I couldn't believe he was dead at 35yrs. The man always looked invincible as if he was carved from stone like a Greek God with his awesome figure. He truly was a picture-perfect form for a fighter. This was an amazing short film 🎥 on his rise to the top and his awesome career. This was Bloody Fantastic‼️✌🏽🥀RIP ANDY HUG........ 🙏🏼🪦😇 23 years later and I'm still saddened to think how his life was cut short by Lukemeia 😪😪😪🥺🥺🥹🥹He's FOREVER A CHAMPION 🏆 🥇
What an incredible career. R.I.P Andy Hug
Thank you very much for this edit. Andy Hug was the person I've looked up to all my youth, an absolute role model for me and so many other Karateka. We will never forget.
schön gseit, Peschä! ❤
"Kara-techas" ? It's pronounced "ka-RA-te-kas". Apart from that? Absolutely phenomenal video. Hug was a massive influence on my training.
A true Warrior. RIP Andy
I took Kyokushin beginning in 1977 for 4 years at a local dojo, our Sensei being a man trained by Mas Oyama himself, and I can honestly say I really loved that specific martial art (having also taken Aikido and Kung Fu for several years). Andy Hug was a legend, having fought (and defeated) many of the greatest fighters in history.
Mas was awesome too, didn't quite agree with him ripping bulls horns off with his bare hands. My father studied under Gogen Yamaguchi's son in cali. Started my Goju-ryu in 69 as a 5 yr old. Both very good arts, Andy was great ! Best wishes to you and yours.
@@shanghunter7697 - Thank you sir, I appreciate it. I didn't remember him doing that but now I seem to remember hearing something about that. Anyway I have been out of the game (practice/ sparring) for so long and am old and out of shape lol. But from your picture, hopefully you're still at it. Take care and stay safe. -John
One of the best documentaries I've ever seen !!!
Andy always be top fighter and top human in history.
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing fighter.
Been a fan of mma (introduced to it by watching UFC) since 2002. Had only heard his name before, but didn’t know his story. This is a phenomenal exposé of his career. That quarterfinal bout with Hoost in 1996 was a real back & forth banger, and seemed like more of a challenge presented to him than he faced in his win in the finals. Great piece of content, right here.
What an amazing story! Never heard of him before but after watching this, I felt he is one of elite fighters who always came back on top after the losses and very humble at the same time respecting his opponents which we very rarely see now a days. Rip legend.
“The Hug tornado” some great cometary put together by this announcer. Hug was phenomenal
I met Andy once in a Swiss disco called P1 in the 90s, he was there with his friend Marino Deflorin. We were shocked when the newspaper said Andy Hug is dead. Hopefully posterity will one day remember the forces of good like Andy Hug from Switzerland. Not to the forces of evil like K.Schwab. Thanks for this great documentary
The GI just summons your warrior spirit. 👊
Great warrior and a great sportsman, never step out of the line, never lost his cool. Great story telling and great work, glued for 40 odd minutes. Thanks, keep at it.
what a warrior, I remember Hug from the magazines but rarely if ever saw an actual fight. This video was amazing. RIP
The Axe kick was amazing.
Have a great weekend everyone and stay blessed 🙏
Those low kicks man. I get phantom pains just watching those kicks connect. These fighters are incredible.
Andi ruhe in Frieden Meister. Du bist immernoch die Legende 💪
Amazing fighter that I didn't know about. Thanks for the awesome content!
Andi was the real deal, his leg kicks was incredibly. RIP sadly missed. Remember Andi was never frighten to mix it up.
Only if they were saved. God is very clear who goes to Heaven and who goes to Hell.
@@markjordan1765 pedophile
@@markjordan1765Shut up with that bullshit. You don't know what the man's standing was spiritually.
I remembered golden days of K1. The early days of internet access... Andy, he will be forever remembered.
That ending hit hard. It's amazing how easily he incorporated boxing into his game. Great fighter, sucks that he passed away so young.
Beautifully narrated. You did him honor! As for Hug, what an amazing martial artist. So so so beautiful to watch him fight. Oh how I miss the glory days of K1
What a big heart this man had.
Thank you for making these videos I would have never known about Andy!!!!
This may be the best video for Andy on KZhead. It would be nice if other K1 greats from the 90s were covered by this channel.
One of the legends that helped me get into martial arts and combat sports. My favourite fighter of all time, thank you Andy Hug. Oss!
I lived in Japan in the 90"s and I had to shed a tear for Andy right now
This was beautifully put together. Never heard of this guy but now is one of my favourite fighters along with Roberto Duran, Georges St.Pierre, Brock Lesnar, Khabib Namurgamedov and RYU from Street Fighter. Well Told ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
what a wonderful documentary, i was a big fan of K1 back in the day, this brings back so many memories♥
Rest in Peace Andy Hug, you're a Legend forever alive in your fans' hearts!..💖💖💖🙏🏻..
Great, great job. I am very thankfull to all of you who made this video. He will live forever. RIP LEGEND !
Beautiful story. Thank you. Rest in peace Andy Hug, the Blue Eyed Samurai 🙏🏽
I have seen a lot of great fighters but andy was something else...
Thanks for posting this amazing tribute to a true legend.
Thank you for this detailed and touching video. We will forever remember this legend!
S'était l'un des meilleurs combattant à l'époque respect
What a beautiful tribute, i felt goosebumps. RIP Andy
Glory to great sportsman and a man of honor, Andy Hug.
The best of the best. And a true martial artist. RIP.
Only if they were saved. God is very clear who goes to Heaven and who goes to Hell.
@@markjordan1765 pedophile
One of the greatest fighter of all Times Andy was a artiste in the ring 😢
A legend and idol. Fans love him a round a wold. Respect full to all. I carry you and your familiy in my heart.Not a day goes by wihitout thinking of you. Ilona, Seya and Andy. R.I.P Andy Hug and Mike Bernardo
For me, Andy Hug is one of the most impressive personality in martial arts ever. Here in Switzerland he is (quite rightly) an absolute hero. R.I.P KARATE MASTER 🏆✨
Hugs axe kick was so feared that opponents would often over compensate with a super high guard and would leave their body open for devastating body kicks.
Despite the result, he was a warrior in the face of cancer. An inspiring champion. And that's how he will always be remembered.