
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 ]

Japanese Shinkansen welcomes overnight guests for one night during summer festival
Pokémon Card Stores requiring facial recognition scans for entry in Japan in latest anti-scalper move
A roadside hair salon stall in China made us Norway’s Haaland for US$1, and warmed out hearts too
Starbucks Japan brings back the Caramel Waffle, but is it as good as it used to be?
Japanese government okays plan to create a backup capital city
Japanese Shinkansen welcomes overnight guests for one night during summer festival
Pokémon Card Stores requiring facial recognition scans for entry in Japan in latest anti-scalper move
A roadside hair salon stall in China made us Norway’s Haaland for US$1, and warmed out hearts too
Starbucks Japan brings back the Caramel Waffle, but is it as good as it used to be?
Japanese government okays plan to create a backup capital city
Studio Ghibli Laputa figure looks like it’s really flying thanks to cool visual trick
Pikachu and Ditto Pokémon desserts at Baskin-Robbins Japan look AND feel like their inspirations
How are you supposed to wash a Japanese futon duvet at the laundromat?
Family Mart’s new Famima flagship in Tokyo has a hidden gem that most visitors miss
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
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
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]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli Laputa figure looks like it’s really flying thanks to cool visual trick
Pikachu and Ditto Pokémon desserts at Baskin-Robbins Japan look AND feel like their inspirations
How are you supposed to wash a Japanese futon duvet at the laundromat?
Family Mart’s new Famima flagship in Tokyo has a hidden gem that most visitors miss
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Why is Taco Bell failing in Japan, even as the country falls in love with tacos?
Japanese Coo-Che becomes a viral sensation, and everyone wants a taste
61-year-old Kyoto man arrested for playing guitar and radio too loudly for seven years
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains