Glaube Feitosa — legendary Brazilian striker and K-1 star from Kyokushin

Biography

Glaube Feitosa is one of the most celebrated Brazilian fighters in the history of Kyokushin and professional kickboxing. He gained worldwide recognition for his spectacular fighting style, powerful knockouts, and signature kicking technique that made him one of K-1’s biggest stars.

Feitosa was born in Brazil and began training in Kyokushin at a young age. From the earliest stage of his career he stood out for his excellent kicking technique and unconventional fighting style.

Glaube later became one of the leading figures in the Brazilian IKO Kyokushinkaikan school, achieving top results in both full-contact karate and professional kickboxing.

Path to Kyokushin

Glaube Feitosa’s journey in Kyokushin began in Brazil, where the South American IKO school was developing rapidly throughout the 1990s.

Over many years he competed successfully at national and international tournaments, gradually rising into the ranks of the world’s top heavyweights.

Feitosa became especially well known for his kicking technique. His signature kakato-geri spinning heel kick became one of the most recognizable moves in world Kyokushin and later brought him numerous victories in K-1.

World Open Appearances

Glaube Feitosa competed in multiple IKO World Absolute Championships.

His most successful appearance was a 4th-place finish at the 7th IKO World Absolute Championship in 1999. He also:

  • 1995 — reached the top 8 of the 6th World Absolute Championship;
  • 1999 — finished 4th at the 7th IKO World Open;

and was among the top contenders at the 10th World Absolute Championship.

Feitosa’s World Open performances made him one of the most recognizable foreign IKO fighters of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Victories and Podium Results

World Championships

  • 1995 — top 8 at the IKO World Absolute Championship;
  • 1999 — 4th place at the 7th IKO World Absolute Championship;

participant in the 10th IKO World Absolute Championship.

International IKO Tournaments

multiple champion and medalist at South American tournaments;

winner and medalist at international IKO competitions;

one of the leaders of the Brazilian Kyokushin school.

Special Awards and Achievements

K-1 Career

After his Kyokushin career, Glaube Feitosa became a star of world kickboxing:

  • 2005 — winner of the K-1 World Grand Prix in Las Vegas;
  • 2005 — finalist of the K-1 World Grand Prix Finals.

In the K-1 World Grand Prix final he was defeated by Semmy Schilt, but it was during this period that Feitosa became one of the most recognizable figures in international kickboxing.

Signature Technique

Glaube entered martial arts history with his famous spinning heel kick — kakato-geri. This strike brought him numerous spectacular knockouts in both Kyokushin and K-1.