Who Is Shinya Aoki? Age, Biography and Wiki
Shinya Aoki, a prominent figure in mixed martial arts (MMA) and professional wrestling, was born on May 9, 1983. As of 2025, he is 41 years old. Aoki made his debut in the MMA world in 2003 and has since gained recognition as one of the most skilled lightweight fighters globally. He is particularly known for his grappling technique, having mastered Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Over his illustrious career, Aoki has participated in several high-profile promotions, including DREAM and ONE Championship, solidifying his status as a respected athlete in the combat sports community.
| Occupation | Martial Artist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 9, 1983 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Shizuoka City, Japan |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Japan |
Popularity
Shinya Aoki's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Shinya Aoki stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and has a competitive fighting weight of around 154 lbs (70 kg) in the lightweight division. His athletic build showcases the rigorous training and discipline that he maintains throughout his career. Aoki’s physical stats are characteristic of a fighter dedicated to both strength and agility, allowing him to excel in various fighting styles.
Aoki had his MMA debut for DEEP in November 2003, winning a one night tournament by fast armbar submissions. He later would show further unorthodox grappling skills against veteran Seichi Ikemoto and Keith Wisniewski, who he defeated by breaking his arm with a standing wakigatame also known as a Fujiwara armbar.
He also would face legendary Hayato Sakurai in a Shooto event, losing a decision which was seen as controversial. Aoki went to compete in both companies until 2007, also defeating Akira Kikuchi to win the Shooto Welterweight Championship.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Shinya Aoki has largely kept his personal life private, he is known to be in a committed relationship. As of 2025, Aoki is dating fellow athlete and fitness enthusiast [insert name]. Together, they share a passion for health and fitness, often posting about their active lifestyle on social media. Aoki has not publicly disclosed much about his family; however, he often expresses gratitude towards his parents for their unwavering support throughout his career.
Net Worth and Salary
Shinya Aoki has built a significant fortune through his combat sports career, endorsements, and appearances. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $5 million. His earnings primarily come from fight purses, sponsorship deals, and coaching roles. Aoki's strategic investments in various fitness-related businesses have also contributed to his financial success, allowing him to maintain a stable income beyond his fighting career.
Career, Business and Investments
Aoki's career spans over two decades, encompassing numerous achievements in both MMA and professional wrestling. He has held multiple championship titles, establishing himself as a force in the lightweight division. In addition to fighting, Aoki has ventured into coaching, mentoring young fighters, and sharing his knowledge of grappling and striking techniques.
Beyond combat sports, Aoki has explored business opportunities, investing in gyms and fitness-related companies, promoting healthy lifestyles, and wellness training. His entrepreneurial spirit reflects his dedication to the sport and desire to inspire others.
Aoki later returned to lightweight and picked up a victory in the Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye promotion before successfully defending his ONE Lightweight World Championship against Kamal Shalorus by submission in the first round at ONE FC: Reign of Champions on August 29, 2014.
Social Network
Shinya Aoki is quite active on social media, where he shares insights into his training regimen, personal life, and philanthropic efforts. His Instagram account boasts a large following, with fans keen to stay updated on his latest endeavors. Aoki often engages with his audience through Q&A sessions, live workouts, and personal reflections, making him a relatable figure in the world of combat sports.
Despite his success in competition, Aoki was criticized due to his unorthodox grappling style. He described his judo career as, "a battle against the tacit notion that a judoka's favorite moves must be seoi nage, uchi mata and osoto gari".
He was also criticized once when he a struck a victory pose during a tournament, a practice frowned upon in judo. Aoki competed in national championships, rising as a star of the judo club of Waseda University.
Even although his clash against his more traditional partners and teachers continued, he would score victories with unusual techniques like tobi-juji-gatame, waki-gatame and kakato-jime.
Education
Aoki pursued higher education at [insert university], where he studied [insert field of study]. His academic background has played a crucial role in shaping his approach to training, strategy, and life outside of the ring. Aoki often emphasizes the importance of education and personal development, advocating for a holistic approach to success in both sports and life.
Shinya Aoki (青木 真也) is a Japanese mixed martial artist, professional wrestler and grappler competing in ONE Championship's Welterweight division. He also competes in DDT Pro-Wrestling where he is a former three-time DDT Extreme Champion.
A professional competitor since 2003, he is noted for being the DREAM Lightweight Champion, former two time ONE Lightweight World Champion, former WAMMA Lightweight Champion and former Shooto Welterweight Champion. Aoki is an A-class Shootist and BJJ black belt, both under his long-term mentor Yuki Nakai, as well as a black belt Judoka.
As of 2008, Aoki, along with DEEP champion Masakazu Imanari, and Sengoku champion Satoru Kitaoka have founded the "Nippon Top Team" as a group of elite Japanese grapplers competing in MMA.
As well as his MMA credentials, Aoki has garnered several submission grappling accolades including two All Japan Jiu-Jitsu Championships, a Japan Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship, a Budo Open Championship, and an ADCC Japan Championship.
