Breaking
Breaking
6 things you need to know about Red Bull BC One All Star B-Boy Issei
Whether it's racking up wins as a world-class breaker, taking a seat on the judging panel or jumping on the mic as a rapper, Issei's flex is pure fire. Here's what you should know about the B-Boy.
Following a heated battle in Nagoya, Japanese B-Boy Issei won the Red Bull BC One World Final in 2016 beating two-time winner Hong 10. He put Japan on the breaking map, is still the only Japanese B-Boy to hold the prestigious title and quickly secured himself a spot as a Red Bull BC One All Star.
Gearing up to make his comeback in 2020, we caught up with Issei between international flights, battles and a packed out schedule to find out how it all started. We also asked what he'd be doing if he wasn't breaking and why he's one for fellow breakers and fans to watch out for next year.
We met Issei to talk about his history and future
© Little Shao/Red Bull Content Pool
1. He started breaking when he was 6 years old and is now a world-renowned star.
The first time I saw breaking was in my home town Kyushu in Southern Japan. I went to a battle with my friends and as soon as I saw it I wanted to try. That was my entrance to the scene, and from that point, I didn't stop.
Today, I travel all over the world with breaking. I don't have a favourite place because I love experiencing the different cultures of each one and sharing my style with them.
The biggest thing I miss when I'm away from home is Japanese food, then after that my girlfriend and my friends.
Issei performs during the Groovement
© AYATO./Red Bull Content Pool
2. Taisuke was one of his earliest inspirations and comes from the same part of Japan as Issei. However, in 2019 the B-Boys he admires and wants to defeat come from all over the world.
I've been following Taisuke's career since I was a kid and, even though I was a Red Bull BC One champion in 2016, I still don't think I'm better than him. My biggest inspiration after Taisuke came from the Red Bull BC One All Stars. So when it comes to competitors, I used to say my toughest opponent was Victor but now with so many dope B-Boys in Japan I would say Shigekix and overseas Menno.
Taisuke is still one of Issei's biggest inspirations
© Jason Halayko/Red Bull Content Pool
3. He was not always so confident.
The biggest challenge when I started breaking (besides the skills) was to dance in front of people, in front of the public. That's changed but now my toughest challenge is to keep on going, keep on dancing, win and represent myself.
Performing in front of people is not an issue any more
© Little Shao/Red Bull Content Pool
4. Despite his young age he became a respected judge.
In a typical week if I'm not in the studio, with my crew or chilling with my girlfriend I'm probably on a flight to judge a battle.
When I'm judging a battle what I'm looking in the breakers are the moves and for the story.
The most important skill to have as a B-Boy or B-Girl is persistence. Try to go to a lot of places and challenge yourself at as many battles and platforms that you can.
My advice for B-Boys and B-Girls who want to make it on the scene and who are just getting started is just to keep on trying to be number one and do it the way you want to do it. Find the right position for you that you want to be the best in.
Issei posing at the Foundnation Anniversary
© Yusuke Kashiwazaki/Red Bull Content Pool
5. He's been a key breaker in next-level Japanese crews Kyushu Danji for 12 years and Foundnation for nine years.
There are two things that motivate me. One is to go on big stages and have people all over the world seeing my moves on YouTube, Instagram and other social media. Then two, my biggest motivation and the most important to me is my crew.
My crew has a studio in Japan, and when I'm there, that's when I'm the most inspired and feel the most creative. My crew inspires all my style, so when I'm travelling across the world and battling the best, I represent them and show respect by winning.
Issei and Victor in the streets of Tokyo
© Little Shao/Red Bull Content Pool
6. He just released a rap single.
If I wasn't breaking, I'd be a rapper. I wanted to try it out so I started this year in 2019 and I just released a music video this month for a new song.
