
Jerome Le Banner is one of K-1’s most prominent fighters. The 190cm (6’3″) and 120kg (265lbs) mountain of muscle is intimidating looking to say the least. With nicknames such as Hyper Battle Cyborg, you might expect him to pump ice water through his veins as he knocks out opponents in pursuit of numerous kickboxing titles.
However, while training in Japan the fighter recently won the hearts of Japanese people everywhere when he showed great compassion by tenderly holding the hand of an elderly woman as he helped her cross the road.
According to the tweet from Gong Martial Arts, Le Banner and Master Hiroshi Aizawa of Chakuriki Japan Koga were walking along the street after working out at the Gold’s Gym in Omori, Tokyo. There they saw an elderly lady falling over as she was trying to cross the road.
Le Banner, or “Banna” as he’s affectionately called in Japan, went over and helped the woman up. After that the former World Muay Thai Super Heavyweight Champion went the extra mile and held the lady’s hand as he escorted her safely to the other side of the road.
Twitter users responded with unanimous praise calling Le Banner a “helluva good guy,” “sweet,” and “handsome,” with many others commenting and showing their appreciation of the martial artist’s good deed.
Even without knowing kickboxing or Jerome Le Banner, it’s hard not to be touched by this image of a man who looks like he should be beheading tigers in ancient Rome showing such sensitivity. It goes to show that a true man is judged by the strength of his character. All the muscles and brute force in the world alone doesn’t make you a real man.
Unless, you happen to be within arm’s reach of me… then you automatically have my utmost respect and admiration, sirs.
Source: Twitter @GONG_KAKUTOGI
Original article by Mr. Sato
写真は7月18日午前、大森ゴールドジムでの練習後のジェロム・レ・バンナとチャクリキ古河の相澤宏使師範が、横断歩道で転倒したお年寄りを助け起こした時のもの。バンナはおばあさんの手を取って一緒に横断歩道を渡っていきました。 pic.twitter.com/wpUJpfALOp
— ゴング格闘技 (@GONG_KAKUTOGI) July 18, 2014
[ Read in Japanese ]

Police in Japan looking for who’s responsible for dumping 80 loaves of bread on side of road [Video]
Data suggests increased bear sightings have led to a decrease in mountain climbers across Japan
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
Nephew of Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki serves up Totoro Shaved Ice in Tokyo
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Police in Japan looking for who’s responsible for dumping 80 loaves of bread on side of road [Video]
Data suggests increased bear sightings have led to a decrease in mountain climbers across Japan
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
Nephew of Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki serves up Totoro Shaved Ice in Tokyo
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Pikachu and other Pokémon evolve into hydration types with Thermos drinkware collaboration [Pics]
Amid foreign sex tourist rise, Japanese government considering outlawing paying for prostitution
Winnie the Pooh cosplays as Yuzuru Hanyu for new plushie collaboration
We recommend not buying one pack of Japan’s new convenience store corn soup-flavor fried chicken
Nagoya’s famous Shinkansen platform noodle shop has other, better branches nearby
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Studio Ghibli unveils new interactive stationery dioramas that bring anime movies to life on your desk
Studio Ghibli composer Jo Hisaishi just set three Guinness Records
Anime fans can now wear a Seiko watch inspired by Japan’s One Piece Shinkansen
7-Eleven Japan brings back best-selling flat croissant that became a hit on social media
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
Universal Studios Japan partners with manga horror master Junji Ito’s Tomie
Starbucks Japan releases two new seasonal drinks that blur the line between summer and autumn
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japanese vending machine sells freshly squeezed lemon juice with a futuristic light show
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Pikachu and other Pokémon evolve into hydration types with Thermos drinkware collaboration [Pics]
Amid foreign sex tourist rise, Japanese government considering outlawing paying for prostitution
Winnie the Pooh cosplays as Yuzuru Hanyu for new plushie collaboration
We recommend not buying one pack of Japan’s new convenience store corn soup-flavor fried chicken
Nagoya’s famous Shinkansen platform noodle shop has other, better branches nearby
Turn octopus, spaghetti, and more of your favorite foods into crackers with Senbei Maker 2
Japan’s double-decker portable rice cooker/bento maker is better than ever with new version
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Ohaw? Ruibe? Pocche? While traveling in Japan’s north, we try Ainu cuisine for the first time
KFC Japan unveils new Tsukimi collection that takes moon-viewing to extreme levels
Osaka Starbucks has one of the city’s coolest photo vantage points, but it’s going away soon
Studio Ghibli composer Jo Hisaishi just set three Guinness Records
Anime fans can now wear a Seiko watch inspired by Japan’s One Piece Shinkansen
Universal Studios Japan partners with manga horror master Junji Ito’s Tomie