Syuri: Softie outside, toughie inside

MANILA, Philippines - Syuri Kondo is softie outside but toughie inside. This is how an onlooker will describe the Filipino-Japanese at the first meeting and at the first glance of her professional resumé. Syuri is a bemedalled wrestler in Japan, winning championship title after championship title. She has proven that women can excel even in the physically-demanding world of wrestling.

“I dreamed of becoming an actress when I was young,” begins Syuri of her showbiz-turned-sport journey in her  native Japanese with Susana Ishimura as interpreter. “When I auditioned, I was assigned to (the wrestling department) and I began loving it.”

Syuri went to a talent entertainment center in Tokyo, where it caters to all forms of entertainment such as acting and wrestling. She was 19 then.

“I met wrestler Tajiri in the talent center and he encouraged me to try my luck in wrestling,” recalls Syuri whose hometown is Bataan. “By all means, I wanted to be famous, whether I would be doing acting or wrestling. Then whatever it would be, that was the area I would focus on. I was among the 10 who passed the audition and joined the (wrestling) group.”

Although going into wrestling was unplanned, Syuri banked on her knowledge and skills as a black belter. Before she answered the call of wrestling, Syuri had established herself as Karate Girl, who entertained everyone with a signature dance. From there, Syuri made the big switch to wrestling.

“For now, it’s all right if there’s an opportunity,” answers Syuri when asked if she has plans of doing a crossover to mixed martial arts. “I can also make the switch. But my focus is on wrestling and it is something that I want to do.”

Syuri has been gracing the wrestling stage for the past five years. And she has not yet decided when to retire. After all, she’s still at the peak of her game. Wrestling is her passion.

When in Tokyo, Syuri competes for wrestling every week and for kick boxing every three months. All the fights are broadcast on a sports TV. It’s not surprising that Syuri maintains a clean card with no losses in kick boxing.  Because of this, she gained a loyal fan base, mostly males. Syuri has fought in Japan, Mexico, the US and Europe.

“I’ve had boyfriends before. And I’m looking for one,” says Syuri, the no-frills woman. “It doesn’t matter whether he is Filipino or Japanese, for as long as he will love me.”

Loving her means loving and accepting her profession and adjusting to her trainings, the title bouts she is committed to and the trips she will make. The guy should be tough to accept all that. 

“There’s the feeling of nervousness every time I have a fight,” Syuri shares. “But it all disappears once I step onto the ring. I have to change the feeling.”

Syuri’s toughie mien is reserved just for the fight. Off the ring, she is just herself who gets involved in charity works like a small fundraising activity for Yolanda survivors. Syuri asked her fellow wrestlers to share their blessings. After only 10 days, she collected a total donation of P190,000 and turned it over to South Pampanga Rotary Club with victims from Leyte as beneficiaries. Her mother, Lucy Kondo, hails from the Southern Visayan province. This trip was Syuri’s second; the first was eight years ago. She will be back for a wrestling tournament on Jan. 25 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. 

“I’ve noticed that Filipinos are hospitable and they are known for giving others a warm welcome,” says Syuri of the Filipino traits she has learned from her mom. “It includes embracing all, and most especially, the love (for others).”

Syuri has proven that goodness in both cultures.