Ayaka Miyauchi, a former dentist's assistant who goes by her fighting name "Little Tiger," has captured six world titles in Muay Thai but insists the true mark of a champion is how they behave outside of the ring.
A pint-sized Japanese woman with a humble, Zen-like philosophy is taking kickboxing by storm, battering rivals to become a world champion in the violent Thai martial art.
But while Japan has enjoyed boxing success in the lighter weight divisions, Muay Thai -- known as the "art of eight limbs" because it involves the use of fists, elbows, knees and shins -- is still a relatively minor sport in the country.
