Description
Antonio Inoki (1943–2022) was a Japanese professional wrestler, martial
artist, and politician. He founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 1972 and fought
Muhammad Ali in the 1976 wrestler-vs-boxer match that paved the way for modern
MMA. He trained Satoru Sayama (the original Tiger Mask) and was a key figure in
the development of shoot wrestling and mixed martial arts in Japan. He was also
elected to the Japanese House of Councillors and negotiated the release of
Japanese hostages in Iraq.
Teachers (2)
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Rikidōzan
(1960-1963)
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Inoki was recruited by Rikidozan in Brazil and trained under him at the Japan
Pro Wrestling Alliance; extensively documented in wrestling history
"Inoki spent much of his youth in Brazil where he met Rikidozan, who
convinced Inoki to return to Tokyo to join his Japanese Wrestling
Association"
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Karl Gotch
(1970-1975)
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Inoki trained under Karl Gotch and was deeply influenced by catch wrestling,
which he incorporated into New Japan Pro-Wrestling's strong style
"Gotch trained several wrestlers in Japan, including Satoru Sayama"
Students (1)
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Satoru Sayama
(1976-1983)
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Sayama trained under Antonio Inoki at New Japan Pro-Wrestling from 1976;
extensively documented in wrestling history
"Primarily trained under New Japan Pro-Wrestling founder Antonio Inoki and
his mentor Karl Gotch"
Linked data
https://martial.is/entity/01KYF2M2VA0JKJCSVHZA3ZSPYA