Meet Mei “V.V.” Yamaguchi – Japan’s Atomweight Heroine
On Friday, at ONE: UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS, the Japanese martial arts prodigy Mei “V.V.” Yamaguchi will clash again with the reigning champ “Unstoppable” Angela Lee. But the road to this showdown has been paved with more than just kicks and takedowns – it’s a saga of culture shock, family loss, and an unstoppable drive to rise.
From Tokyo to L.A. – A Culture Shock that Changed Her
- At seven, the young Mei moved from Tokyo to Los Angeles, ready for a new adventure… but turned a bit into a lost tourist.
- “All I could say was ‘Thank you.’ English felt like a foreign language,” she recalls.
- One of her early shocks: during first grade, someone stole her snack. “I was like, ‘What the heck?!” That lesson taught her to guard her stuff and guard herself.
Kick‑starting a Martial Arts Journey
She was instantly hooked on self‑defence after idolizing Jackie Chan. “I begged Dad to sign me up at a karate dojo. He did, and from there the rest of my life followed.” With a teacher by teacher, Mei grew into a disciplined fighter.
Life’s Toughest Punches
- Tragedy hit when her mother passed away, forcing the family back to Japan before she finished elementary school.
- “I don’t talk much about losing my mom – I want everyone to see the fighter, not a kid in grief.” Yet that loss hardened her.
The Multi‑Disciplinary Fighter
From karate to kickboxing, wrestling, BJJ and MMA, Mei channeled every ounce of energy. She’s not just a fighter – she’s a medal‑monger.
Championship Highlights
- DEEP Jewels Featherweight Champion
- Valkyrie Featherweight Champion
- Pan‑American BJJ Gold Medalist
- Asian Open BJJ Title holder
- Japan National BJJ Champion
But one elusive crown? The ONE Atomweight World Title. The first attempt in May 2016 ended in loss to Lee. Two years later, the title is back on the line.
Why the Stakes Are Personal
Yamaguchi is opening up more than she ever did before. “I think people of all backgrounds will see a part of themselves when they watch my fights. I want to inspire them,” she shares.
With her eyes on the world title, Mei “V.V.” Yamaguchi is determined to turn every setback into a step forward, proving that a fighter’s heart beats louder than any fault in a life story.
