Former MMA Champion Develops Senior Health Business "KICK-WELLNESS" Launched in Osaka

STYLE Inc. (Fukushima Ward, Osaka / President & CEO: Seichi Ikemoto) has officially launched "KICK-WELLNESS," a business aimed at extending healthy life expectancy for seniors, in Osaka, in collaboration with the Japan Kickboxing Fitness Association.

This initiative serves as a regional health infrastructure that utilizes kickboxing to contribute to the prevention of sub-health conditions and the reduction of medical expenses.

The first phase will offer a free monitor program for individuals aged 60 and over at kick box style Fukushima store (Fukushima Ward, Osaka). This project involves collaboration between a mixed martial arts fighter, Ritsumeikan University, and a physical therapist.

Background

Japan is facing a super-aged society, with individuals aged 75 and over projected to constitute approximately one-fifth of the total population by 2025, posing a significant challenge to the sustainability of the social security system. The gap between average life expectancy and healthy life expectancy is about 10-12 years on average for both men and women, a period during which dependence on nursing care and medical services tends to increase.

Sarcopenia, the decline in muscle mass and strength associated with aging, not only leads to reduced mobility and an increased risk of falls but is also linked to the need for long-term care and cognitive decline. Extending healthy life expectancy through the prevention and improvement of sarcopenia is a critical social issue that addresses not only the improvement of quality of life (QOL) for each senior but also the containment of medical and nursing care costs, and the assurance of the sustainability of the social security system.

In response to this social challenge, STYLE has redesigned kickboxing, which is suitable for strengthening the lower body, for seniors. Since 2024, the program has been provided to approximately 600 individuals aged 60 to 95 in various locations across Osaka Prefecture, including Такаishi City, Izumiōtsu City, and Higashiosaka City.

Seniors smiling and striking a fighting pose.

Content

The first phase, "KICK-WELLNESS PROJECT," will be held every Thursday from 10 AM to 12 PM for 12 sessions, from June 18, 2026, to September 3, 2026, at the Fukushima store. The program is for individuals aged 60 and over, participation is free, and 14 monitors will be involved. The program was developed by mixed martial arts fighter Ikemoto, its effectiveness is being verified through joint research with Ritsumeikan University (selected for the MEXT COI Project), and physical therapist Daisuke Kumazaki oversees the physical fitness assessments. A participant survey in HANNAN City recorded a satisfaction rate of 96% and a continuation intention rate of 90%.

Details are available on the special page:

https://kick-style.com/kick_wellness/

Senior participants engaging in mitt training.

Future Development

STYLE plans to jointly analyze the measurement data from the first and second phases with Ritsumeikan University and aims to publish research papers. The program will be sequentially rolled out to the 11 stores operated by the company.

Furthermore, the company will launch "KICK-WELLNESS Premium" as an upper-tier brand concept. Targeting individuals seeking luxury hotel experiences and high-quality wellness experiences, this service will offer high-value-added services such as personal training and wellness retreats, providing comprehensive support from the entry point of health building to the establishment of a continuous lifestyle.

In addition, the company will introduce programs for seniors into hotels, high-end senior residences, and nursing care facilities to build a model that contributes to extending healthy life expectancy and preventing the need for nursing care. This "Osaka Model" will be disseminated nationwide and globally, with the business aiming for a cumulative total of 50,000 participants over five years.

President Ikemoto's Comment

"Even now, past the age of 50, I continue to compete in the wrestling ring. I have systematized my experience to create a program that allows general individuals to train their lower bodies without strain. A capable body can be built at any age. I want to deliver a life where people can walk on their own two feet until the very end, while enjoying themselves."

(Seichi Ikemoto, President & CEO, STYLE Inc.)

Company Profile

Company Name: STYLE Inc.

Representative: President & CEO Seichi Ikemoto

Location: Akimoto Bldg. 1F, 2-10-11 Fukushima, Fukushima Ward, Osaka, 553-0003

Established: December 8, 2017

Business Activities: Operation of 11 "kick box style" kickboxing gyms, "KICK-WELLNESS" healthy life expectancy extension business.

Co-organizer: Japan Kickboxing Fitness Association

Trainer training, operation of a higher education academy.

URL: https://kick-style.com/kick_wellness/

Sponsoring Companies (listed only for confirmed contracts):

Ebisudo Co., Ltd. / Sandbox Co., Ltd. / YUMEFOTO Inc. / Nichimo Biotics Co., Ltd. / BODYMAKER Inc. / SupremeLab. / NEO BRILLIANCE Inc.

Contact Information for this Matter

STYLE Inc. Contact: Nakane

TEL: 06-4300-5546

Email: info@kick-style.com