Also known as

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)

• 
  Rikidōzan

  (1960-1963)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  fact_check

  Inoki was recruited by Rikidozan in Brazil and trained under him at the Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance; extensively documented in wrestling history

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "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"

  — Antonio Inoki (Wikipedia EN)linkinfo
• 
  Karl Gotch

  linkCatch Wrestling 3

  Confirmed

  Inoki trained under Karl Gotch and was deeply influenced by catch wrestling, which he incorporated into New Japan Pro-Wrestling's strong style

  (1970-1975)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  fact_check

  Inoki trained under Karl Gotch and was deeply influenced by catch wrestling, which he incorporated into New Japan Pro-Wrestling's strong style

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "Gotch trained several wrestlers in Japan, including Satoru Sayama"

  — Antonio Inoki (Wikipedia EN)linkinfo

Students (1)

• 
  Satoru Sayama

  (1976-1983)

  expand_morefact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source

  fact_check

  Sayama trained under Antonio Inoki at New Japan Pro-Wrestling from 1976; extensively documented in wrestling history

  assessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  "Primarily trained under New Japan Pro-Wrestling founder Antonio Inoki and his mentor Karl Gotch"

  — Satoru Sayama (Wikipedia EN)linkinfo

Sources