Where did you grow up?
I was born in Hokkaido (the furthest city in the north of Japan) but was raised in Osaka from 1-18 years old. My family created a great environment for me where I could focus on both my studies and my dance practice.
How did a world champion B-boy find his way into a CrossFit gym?
About a year ago I turned 18, graduated from high school, and then moved to Tokyo. It was my first time living alone and the start of my life as a professional dancer.
The place that I found for my regular dance practice was the same that many professional CrossFit athletes also use.
This meant that I was able to meet and interact with these athletes, and it led to me incorporating CrossFit into my training.
Shigekix from Japan competes at the Red Bull Bc One B-boys World Final 2020 at the Hangar-7 in Salzburg, Austria, on Nov. 28, 2020.
How often do you train CrossFit?
It really depends on schedule but usually about three times in a week when I can.
Have you noticed your breaking skills improve since you started CrossFit training?
Yes, definitely improved.
Expressive power and endurance are really important to do breaking, especially at competitions. And CrossFit training gives me that power.
What are some of your favorite movements and workouts?
My favorites are burpee and rowing.
CrossFit Games athletes performed a max handstand hold during the first stage of the Games in 2020. Do you know how long you can hold a freestanding handstand?
I’m not sure, but I can hold it for at least a minute. If it’s a headstand, I could hold for 5 minutes when I was little, haha. That was the first time I tried and never tried again.
Your Instagram has a few pics of you on the Assault bike. Tell us about how you incorporate that into your training and why.
I basically incorporate it into training plans to get better cardiorespiratory endurance and foot power, usually in an AMRAP, EMOM, etc.
What’s the hardest move to perform when breaking?
It’s very difficult to choose one, but I would probably say power moves. These are a type of movement that requires a mix of strength and consistent practice.
Here are my insta posts of power moves ↓
What’s your max number of consecutive head spins?
I’ve never tried my highest record, but when I did one kick* head spin last time, it was when I was 13.
＊one kick = using hands just once to do a head spin
This is an insta video of when I tried last time↓
What are some of the things you do to stay flexible?
While increasing my strength through training, I make sure to stay consistent with my stretching. This helps me condition my body in a way that gives me both the power and flexibility I need.
Some responses may have been edited for clarity or length.
All photos and videos courtesy of Shigekix.
Why B-Boy World Champion Shigekix Does CrossFit