King of San Da: USA
Fighter of the Year
Rudi Ott

Rudi Ott
Professional Record: 10-1
Amateur Record: 18-2
Weight: 165-168
Titles:
Middleweight World Championship
IKF Pro Intercontenintal Champion
ISKA US Pro Super Middleweight Champion
IKF US Pro Middleweight Champion
3-time U.S. National Team Member
2001 US National Team Captain
3-time National Amateur Champion

The King of San Da: USA didn't have to think hard to name it's first "Fighter of the Year". 2002 was the year of Rudi Ott, ranked #1 in his weight division, the holder of the IKF World Title and one of the United States' foremost San Shou/San Da athletes. It's been our pleasure to know him for years, as far back as 1997 when his stunning head kick KO gave birth to one of American San Shou's unique calls, the "Abe Killer"! We asked Rudi for a few words and were honored to receive them;

- "2002 has been a good year for me. I attained one of my goals as a fighter and that was to win a World Title. My opponent Dave Marinoble gave it all he had and made me work hard claim the belt. That night I dont believe I was at my best but I was able to stay within myself to control the fight and in the last round I gave it a final push to guarantee the win, making it a sweet, well deserved victory. I am eager to show myself and the world what the best of Rudi Ott is. I believe there are a few fights that will clarify this and define my career. First I want to prove myself against America's best muay thai fighter Duane Ludwig, we were supposed to fight this year at StrikeForce but he pulled out for whatever reason. We should get it on in 2003 for a K-1 Super-Fight in Las Vegas. I also want to fight for an ISKA World Title against the IWUF world champion from Iran Hussien Ojaghi, and to rematch China to to avenge my only loss as a pro. I believe I am in my prime and the next two years should be the test I have been searching for as a martial artist. I want to finish by thanking my coach Cung Le for being an inspirational fighter and teacher, his intense drive and focus has helped me become the fighter I am today. Also my trainer Jivoni Jordan for demanding the most out of me every training session. Thanks to my family and friends who have always supported me, the I.K.F. and all the San Shou fighters around the world, lets continue to build and grow together -

Rudi Ott has cleaned out the American Pro San Shou ranks, leaving only two US based fighters as likely future opponents. As Rudi mentioned, there is Duane Ludwig who he will most likely face under K-1 rules. Some hope he will also fight Steve Berkolayko of Brooklyn, NY. After that, the world had better beware! Rudi Ott is coming after you!

More about Rudi Ott
Courtesy of www.Cungle.com

Rudi began his study in martial arts at the age of 11 in traditional Chinese kung fu in Boston, MA. At 13 he traveled to China for extensive training with the Beijing Wushu Team. As he progressed the pressures of growing up in an urban environment overcame his want for the rigorous training that martial arts demands, and at 14 he gave up his passion.

Throughout the next 10 years Rudi found himself uninspired with lack of direction. By 24 he was caught in a self-destructive lifestyle and facing the possibility of incarceration. Rudi knew he had something to offer and wanted to have a positive affect on those around him, so when he re-entered the kung fu school it all came full circle. Martial Arts was the vehicle for creative self expression and a mode for learning more about himself. He threw himself back into training, making every sacrifice and meeting every demand that was required of him.

In 1996, Rudi started training in San Shou under Jason Yee winning the U.S. Amateur National Championships 3 years in a row, and becoming a member of the U.S. National Team in 1997. In 1998 Rudi relocated to Vancouver B.C. to study internal Chinese kung fu and Qigong with renowned Master Liang Shu Yu. But he missed the challenge and excitement that fighting presented and in 1999 moved to San Jose, Ca to resume his fighting career with his National Team captain Cung Le. That year he turned pro and captured the IKF U.S. Middleweight Championship in San Shou. In 2000 he took the ISKA Super- middleweight title, and in 2001 the IKF Intercontinental San Shou title. In 2002 Rudi is primed for the World Championship Belt. Under Cung Le and trainer Jivoni Jordan he has solidified himself as one of the top middleweight fighters in the World eagerly ready for the many challenges which await him.

As Cung Le's top fighter Rudi also acts as one of the main instructors For fitness and conditioning, The Head Coach of the Cung Le's Kid's Program and assistant coach to the UsH! Fight Team. As an instructor Rudi wants to pass on his passion for the martial arts as well as help mold his students into positive role models and future champions. Rudi believes martial arts is a dynamic means of personal growth and self fulfillment that if sustained will lead to a healthy and rewarding life.

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