MOVIES: ICHI (2008)

NOTE: Please click thumbnail for bigger picture.

No, not Takashi Miike's ICHI THE KILLER. I'm too much of a wussy to watch that to the end. It was too gory/over-the-top for me and I usually start a movie and finish it no matter how bad it is. But Miike's movies I just cannot stomach. Well SUKIYAKI WESTERN DJANGO is an exception. But I digress. Director Fumihiko Sori (VEXILLE, PING PONG) reimagines the classic ZATOICHI, the blind swordsman/masseuse.

Ichi honors the classic tale of the blind samurai while casting the legend in breathtaking new light. In a role traditionally played by men, award-winning actress Haruka Ayase is both tender and brutal.

Beautiful Ichi wanders blindly from village to village, searching for the sightless swordsman who long ago taught her to kill. Her technique is exquisite and explosive, her defenses as impenetrable as the darkness in which she moves. Many along her solitary path are touched – some by the sound of her delicate music, others by the edge of her lethal blade.

Also starring Shidou Nakamura (Letters from Iwo Jima), with original music by Lisa Gerrard (Gladiator, Dead Can Dance).

NOTE: Please click thumbnail for bigger picture.

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TRAILER

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Official Site



I cannot wait to watch this!

NEWS: Johns Hopkins student kills apparent burglar with sword

Cut and pasted from:


http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/09/15/samurai.sword.killing/

Johns Hopkins student kills apparent burglar with sword

* Story Highlights
* Suspect died at scene; he had severed left hand and lacerations to upper body
* Students confronted man in their garage, police say
* He lunged at students, and one defended himself with samurai sword

updated 12:47 p.m. EDT, Tue September 15, 2009

(CNN) -- A Johns Hopkins University student killed an apparent burglar with a samurai sword after discovering the man in his garage, police said Tuesday.

Baltimore, Maryland, police received a phone call shortly before 1:30 a.m. Tuesday about a suspicious person, and an off-duty officer arrived at the scene with campus security, city police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.

When authorities arrived, they heard calls for help and for police, he said. They discovered a suspected burglar with a severed left hand and severe lacerations to his upper body, Guglielmi said.

The suspect died at the scene, he said.

The man had entered a home where several Johns Hopkins students lived, Guglielmi said. Four students, one armed with a samurai sword, had confronted the suspect in the garage.

The man "lunged" at the students, and the student with the sword defended himself, severing the man's left hand and cutting his upper body, Guglielmi said.

Police did not release the name of the suspect, who Guglielmi said had a long criminal history, or that of the student.

Police questioned the three witnesses, Guglielmi said, and released them. It was not immediately clear whether all four students lived at the house, he said.

Authorities are determining whether the student will face criminal charges, Guglielmi said.

Burglars had taken two laptops and a Sony PlayStation from the students' home Monday, Guglielmi said.

The burglary suspect had been released from prison Saturday, Guglielmi said.

NOTE: My sincerest thanks to my friend Greg for sending me the link!

IN MEMORY OF: Patrick Swayze

Dalton: "I want you to be nice until it's time to not be nice."

RIP Patrick Swayze

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Wiki entry

My 300th post - 8 year anniversary of 9/11/2001

"Our nation, this generation, will lift the dark threat of violence from our people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage. We will not tire, we will not falter and we will not fail."

~George Bush 09/20/2001

Totally unplanned but coincidentally this is my 300th blog post. How appropriate to have a special post for the occasion.

My friend kot1k of the Spladdle forum posted this earlier today:

09-11-2009, 10:40 AM
kot1k

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"It’s pretty crazy in downtown Manhattan right now. There’s a massive concentration of cops, firefighters and news vans. Everybody is converging on the WTC site. The usual memorials are going on, all the streets are blocked off, and there are tons of cops checking bags in the subway. All this is going on but it doesn’t really feel like anybody remembers what they felt like 8 years ago. People obviously remember what happened, but the feeling is pretty much drowned in time. Didn’t really want to post this, but here’s my story from 8 years ago (Massive FRAT):

I was working at 222 Broadway. It was my first day in a new group so I wanted to get in earlier. I got on the Q (It was still the express back then) on the Sheepshead Bay stop. The trains were running like shit, so they kicked us off at Prospect Park stop and made us wait for the next train. Finally, a bit later than I wanted to, I got out of the train (I think I switched to the N at DeKalb, can’t remember anymore) at Courtland Street. Didn’t even bother to look at the towers to my left, made a right by the Marriot, and got my ass to my building.

My new bosses were smoking by the entrance. I shot the shit with them for a few minutes and made my way up. I was on the 9th floor, with my back to the windows facing WTC. I booted up my comp and as I was loading Outlook I FELT a massive explosion. The windows shook, as did the building. I ran to the window and saw a bunch of debris floating through the air and birds flying in crazy patterns. I looked down, and didn’t see anything (I initially thought that it was a car bomb again). I crouched by my window and looked up, and that’s when I saw the giant gaping hole in one of the towers, with flames coming out of it. I sat there for a few minutes, and went back to my desk. The TVs were all on CNBC or CNN and they already found footage and started playing it. I went back to the window and sat there staring at the towers.

As I sat there I saw a plane coming, but in my mind I thought that I was still watching TV and that was a replay. I was shaken out of my delusion by the second explosion. That’s when the total realization of how fucked this was sank in. I sat there for a few minutes looking, until I saw a few people falling or jumping from the towers. I can’t remember what I felt, but I got up and started trying to get in touch with family and friends who worked near by.

My parents were on vacation in France, so there was no way to reach them. My grandma who I was living with at the time was working the Primary Election for NYC, so she wasn’t home either. I left a voicemail on the answering machine saying I was leaving the building and I would be home soon. I tried to call a few friends, but by that time most lines were overwhelmed, so it was next to impossible to reach anybody.

A good friend was starting her second year in Med School in Israel and was supposed to fly out that day. That wasn’t happening, so she was home and I managed to reach her. We were on the phone while she was watching the news. It was a live feed, but had a few seconds delay. I felt what I thought was an earthquake, and saw the first tower collapsing. I yelled into the phone, “they’re falling” before dropping the receiver and jumping over my cube to get into the stairwell. The whole building was shaking. Everyone went into the lobby and waited around, but no one had any idea of what to do. You couldn’t go outside, since the whole street was filled with smoke and dust. It was a very strange feeling of helplessness. Just as that was happening, we felt another earthquake. It was the second tower collapsing.

The whole mass of people lost it and panicked. People began screaming and scattering with no real place to go. Somehow I ended up in a second level sub basement with about 10 other people. We sat on the floor and just waited. For what, I have no idea. After about 45 minutes a cop in a facemask came downstairs to tell us to stay put. In another 45 minutes the room started filling with smoke and dust because the filtration system was overwhelmed. Some of the women started crying and got panicky again. I decided that it’s probably safe to leave. We had a few water bottles with us, so I took off my shirt (I had an undershirt on), soaked it with water, and wrapped it around my face. I suggested to the people in the room that they should probably come with me, and about 6 women came along. I took my little procession out of the building.

The air was bad, but not terrible. There was about a half an inch of dust on the ground though. I hate to think what was in that dust. We walked away from WTC towards the bridges. Much of the smoke was blowing towards the Brooklyn Bridge, so I decided that it would probably be best to walk towards the Manhattan Bridge in Chinatown. I separated from my companions a few blocks away when I was pretty sure they were OK and out of danger.

I crossed the bridge with a million other people. There were no cars. In the middle of the bridge a couple of fighter jets came overhead and a thousand people hit the deck.

The rest of the story is pretty mundane. I walked for a few hours to get home. I got together with ALL of my friends later that night. I’m still shocked that I didn’t know anyone who was killed personally. The weird conclusions from that day were that I felt no fear. None. Maybe I was in shock, but I had very little emotions throughout the day and the days after. The only real fear I felt was when I got on a plane two weeks later and there was a small Muslim dude wearing religious garb. The entire flight was looking at his the whole trip, ready to pounce and kill his ass even if he so much as moved.

So that’s it. Don’t know what else to say…"

kot's story makes my story (click here)look like a walk in the park. I would've been p!ssing in my pants if I was stuck in a room not knowing what was going outside for more than 30 minutes.

Stickgrappler went to Disney World and all he got us were these lousy pictures?!?!?!

8/31/09 - 9/5/09 -- 6 days and 5 nights... took my wife and 3 kids to Disney World. We have never been there. Great time was had by all.

At Epcot, there is a World Showcase, a few countries were represented. Took some pictures of slight 'martial' value.

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*** Norway ***

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*** Germany ***

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*** Japan ***

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There were walking canes hand-carved by an African artist that I was not able to take pictures of :-(

Next time, I go to Disney World, I'll be sure to get you guys a T-shirt and a mug or something instead of lousy pix :-)

Enjoy!

EDIT: ugh! the 2nd pic in Germany should be showing 3 stautes. You can save the pic and view it offline in your pic viewer of choice.

EDIT 2: looks like the pictures I put up to my Facebook is not showing up. When I have time I will upload the pix to my pichost. Sorry about that.

UGH! Missed posting at the time of 9:09:09 AM and PM LOL

Since the date today is 9/9/09... it would've been cool to post at either the morning or the evening at the time of 9:09:09 LOL

Forgive my bad segue to:

Ah, The Magic of Numbers... the Asian cultures dread the number 4 as it's an homophone for 'death'. Superstitious people dread the number 13.

The Chinese MA is abound with the numbers 3, 5, 8, 13, 36 and 108 (did I miss any?). The Filipino MA have 12. It is said that Alexander the Great (or in his time) found that 'chunking' techniques in factors of 3 was useful for soldiers (or something along those lines). Dr. Gyi's Bando teaches in 3, 6, 9, and 12. IIRC the Thai MA teaches in 4 and 7's.

Don't think "Numberology" is a word, but I mean it to be the significance of numbers, especially with respect to the Martial Arts. I know there is "Numerology" which I vaguely think to be the study of numbers in relation to astrology/supernatural/zodiac... you get the idea.

Will have to research into the Martial Arts and the Significance of Numbers. Some future post in my Sojourn of Septillion Steps :-)

MMA: Meet Kimbo Slice tomorrow night (Thursday) at Champs Sports in Times Square, NYC

My friend P. emailed me about this.

Please click the thumbnail below for a bigger picture and the details.

MMA: 1 year anniversary (and 1 day) of Evan Tanner's death

I missed posting about the 1 year anniversary of Evan Tanner's death yesterday. My thanks to my friend Hugo Hanriot for reminding me about it. Hugo posted on his Facebook a link to a Youtube vidclip and the following:

"Tanner was one of a kind. He fought in the pre-Zuffa "dark ages" on MMA, won the Japanese "King of Pancrase" title, & won the UFC 185 title.

When he started fighting, his only training was high school wrestling & what he learned on the 1st Gracie Jiu Jitsu instructional videos.

He was a fighter who was more interested in being a seeker & a humanitarian, & developing into a hell of a writer. It's a damn shame we never got to see what he would've done after he retired from fighting.

Tue at 5:18pm"

RIP Evan Tanner

ABOUT ME: finally signed up on Facebook...

...have no idea what i'm doing on facebook both literally as in how to navigate, find friends, add links and figuratively as i'm jammed with real life as it is. not as much time blogging, so why am i on facebook? LOL @ me.

there were some friends on there i recognized and some i've lost contact with over the years.

here's seeing if facebook is worth my time and effort.

LINKS: WWW.POCKETFIREPOWER.COM

Been jammed with Real Life... trying to catch up on some emails. This was sent to me 7/6/09 by my friend Kilogulf59, whose Integrated Close Combat Forum I posted about 3/30/09 here:


http://stickgrappler.blogspot.com/2009/03/links-integrated-close-combat-forum.html


He wrote:

I'd like to invite all of you to stop in at a new forum. The place is called WWW.POCKETFIREPOWER.COM - Discussion dedicated to pocket defense handguns, knives and tactics... http://www.pocketfirepower.com/index.php

The gentleman who is the admin goes by the moniker "LUVMYSIGP225" and is a good guy and friend of our own 7677, who is a moderator there as well.

The flavor of the forum is somewhat different than ICCF nonetheless the philosophy is the same. In other words, good info, good advice, good people. What more can we ask for?

Do yourself a favor, go there today and tell them "Ken sent ya"...(they may let you stay anyway LOL)

Take Care and Stay Safe,
Ken

"REMEMBER ?What works for you may not, necessarily, work for me. Keep an open mind!"

Integrated Close Combat Forum - http://kilogulf59.proboards80.com
Scribd ?KG59/ICCF - http://www.scribd.com/kilogulf59
YouTube ?KG59/ICCF - http://www.youtube.com/user/kilogulf59

Check out http://www.pocketfirepower.com/index.php when you have a chance. I will register there when I have a little more free time and check it out for myself. I also intend to surf back over to ICCF and a few forums I've been meaning to check in (as well as catching up on emails LOL).

Oh, while you are at it, check out Kilogulf's links in his email signature! Enjoy!

BIRTHDAY: Belated Happy Birthday Joe Rogan (42)

Picture borrowed from http://www.comedycv.co.uk. Click the thumbnail for a bigger picture.


2 days ago, August 11, it was Joe Rogan's birthday. I was jammed with real life and wasn't able to post about it. Happy Belated 42nd Birthday Joe Rogan!! Many more to come!!

On top of everything else going for him, he's a brown belt in BJJ and a color commentator for UFC!

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Wiki entry

Joe Rogan's Official site

Bruce Lee lesson for Taky Kimura auction closed already

July 28th, I posted about Bruce Lee's private lesson plan to Taky Kimura here:

http://stickgrappler.blogspot.com/2009/07/bruce-lees-private-lesson-plan-to-taky.html

I forgot to note when the auction officially closes... checked in tonight and it looks like it closed. It seems the auction started with $500 as the opening bid. There were 25 bids and the winning bid was $7259!

Some gems of in that lesson plan:

1) "Lee lists six important keys to “Combat,” which are “Timing,” “Distance,” “Speed & Rhythm,” “Initiative,” “Aggressiveness,” and “Choice of Attack.” Lee also lists three stages of combat “Attack,” “Counter-Attack,” and “Active Defense,” with other sub-categories underneath."

2) "I've just rushed the T'ai Kik wall chart form to you."

My comment: "T'ai Kik" is Cantonese for "Tai Chi/Taiji"... BL's dad knew Tai Chi too.


3) "...James Lee is going to send you a Lap Sao apparatus with built in resistance."

My comment: Not making a statement about trapping, but pointing out the specifity principle... and using certain apparatuses to train specific techniques.


4) "Of course, you must use the set system, that is REPETITION of each technique in sets for perfection."

My comment: 10,000 reps/hours rule


5) "Remember the idea that one has to come in thousands of time in order to perfect one Judo throw."

My comment: Again 10,000 reps/hours rule


I'm going to post about the "Principle (or Law) of Specifity" and the "10,000 Hours Rule" in future posts.

One year ago, 08-08-2008 Olympics held in Beijing, China

Click thumbnail for a bigger picture.


WOW! Just a year ago, the 2008 Olympics in Beijing started. What an extravagant and memorable Opening Ceremony! So many memories, so many athletes breaking records and setting the bar higher and higher.

What was your favorite moment from the Opening Ceremony? Your favorite moment from the Games?

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Wiki entry
Official site

MMA: UFC 101 Fight Card

Click thumbnail for bigger picture.


UFC 101 Declaration takes place on August 8, 2009 @ the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Main Event: UFC Lightweight Championship
155#: Kenny Florian (13-3) vs. Champion BJ Penn (13-5-1)

Main Card
205#: Anderson Silva (24-4) vs. Forrest Griffin (16-5)
170#: Johny Hendricks (5-0) vs. Amir Sadollah(2-0)
185#: Ricardo Almeida (10-3) vs. Kendall Grove (12-5)
155#: Josh Neer (25-7-1) vs. Kurt Pellegrino (19-1)
155#: Shane Nelson (13-3) vs. Aaron Riley (27-11-1)

Preliminary Bouts
170#: Tamdan McCrory (12-2) vs. John Howard (11-4)
185#: Alessio Sakara (17-7) vs. Thales Leites (14-2)
170#: Dan Cramer (1-0) vs. Matthew Riddle (2-0)
155#: George Roop (9-5) vs. George Sotiropoulos (9-2)
170#: Jesse Lennox (14-1) vs. Danillo Villefort (9-2)

I do not know many of the fighters only the 2 big "name" bouts. BJ Penn, hard to not pick him when he's back in his weight of 155 instead of moving up to challenge GSP. Not sure if what I heard is true, both Florian and Penn are excellent grapplers, but they have a gentleman's agreement to keep it standup? If so, with Penn's excellent jabbing as witness his fight vs Joe Stephenson, I think Penn wins.

Hard to not pick Anderson Silva to win, until he loses, I'm going with Silva. I like Griffin and my friend Ausgepicht thinks if anyone has a chance to beat Silva it's Griffin.

What are your picks?

Cannot wait for later tonight for the fights!

Filipino Martial Arts: Upcoming Dog Brothers seminars/Gatherings

Apologies to the readers of this blog as well as to Guro Crafty Dog and the rest of the Dog Brothers Clan. I neglected to post about upcoming seminars earlier.

First up, Guro Crafty Aug 1-2 at Fort Hood, TX. Check out this thread for more details: Dog Brothers Forum Thread.

Areas of focus will include:

-"Die Less Often" Defense against a Knife Attack and Accessing Weapons.
-Dog Brothers Stickfighting
-Introduction to Kali Tudo (TM)

Secondly, Toronto Canada DBMA Training Camp featuring Crafty Dog, Top Dog and Sled Dog Aug 21-23. Check out this thread for more details: Dog Brothers Forum Thread. This should be a great training opportunity, as you get to learn not from 1, not 2, but 3 original Dog Brothers! Sadly, I will not be able to attend. Taking wife and 3 kids to Disney World. Our first time.

it will be a full weekend of training with Crafty ,Sled , and Top Dog
accommodations and meals are included . there will be workshops you can attend as well from yoga to strength and conditioning space will be limited i will post additional information within the week if you have any further questions you can reach me at renecocolo@hotmail.com

Thirdly, the next Dog Brothers Gathering will be held September 20, 2009. Check out this thread for more details: Dog Brothers Forum Thread.

Bruce Lee's private lesson plan to Taky Kimura on auction

Cut and pasted from http://www.rrauction.com:

Bruce Lee’s private lesson plan to his star pupil

Description

Amazing ALS in pencil, signed “Bruce,” three pages, 8.5 x 11, no date. Lee writes to Taky Kimura, his prize student and eventually one of only three Lee-certified instructors of Jeet Kun Do. In part: “First and foremost I like to impress a most important rule of teaching in your mind, and that is the economy of form. Follow this rule and you will NEVER feel like you have to ADD more and more so called sizzling techniques to keep our students interested. In order to explain ‘Economy of Form’ I’ll take a technique to illustrate the theory. Later on this idea can be applied to any technique. Together with the idea of ‘the Three Stages of a Technique [(1) synchronization of self, [2] synchronization with opponent [3] under fighting condition]. This program of teaching not only provide and endless routine of instruction, but a most efficient lesson plan that will bring result to all students. I’ve tested them here in L. A. and disregard how little we show each time…To illustrate the idea, I’ll take the Park Sao (slapping hand). Basically ‘Economy of Motion’ means all motions starts from the By-Jong position; secondly, Hands are to move first if it were hand technique [foot follows], feet first if it were foot techniques. So emphasize the above ‘Two Truths’ by practicing Park Sao fort in the touching hand manner…Each student must attack [in unison] from the By-Jong without any wasted motion. Now this has been overlooked basic theory of utmost importance. If any student does his Park Sao [or any technique for that matter] with wasted motion, back to the touching hand position he goes to minimize his unnecessary motion…I hope I have impressed in your mind a more important rule of our style-stick to the program I’ve given you, use variety, and do not worry too much that your students need more and more to stay with you-true if they can do perfectly all you’ve taught them. Remember the idea that one has to come in thousands of time in order to perfect one Judo throw. And of course use your own experience and imagination. You will do well. I have faith in you.”

The third page of Lee’s letter bears a detailed hand-written flow chart of combat strategy. At the top, Lee lists six important keys to “Combat,” which are “Timing,” “Distance,” “Speed & Rhythm,” “Initiative,” “Aggressiveness,” and “Choice of Attack.” Lee also lists three stages of combat “Attack,” “Counter-Attack,” and “Active Defense,” with other sub-categories underneath. A truly remarkable Lee letter, written to perhaps his greatest student, with a detailed explanation of his method, and a fighting flowchart in his hand, makes this an especially desirable letter. In fine condition, with mild handling wear and two deep central vertical creases to third page.

Pictures borrowed from www.rrauction.com. Click the thumbnails for bigger pictures.




NOTE: My thanks to my friend P. for the heads-up!

IN MEMORY OF: Karl Gotch (August 3, 1924 - July 28, 2007)

Picture borrowed from http://www.wrestlingmuseum.com. Click thumbnail for a bigger picture.


Cut and pasted from www.wrestlingmuseum.com's bio on Karl Gotch:

Karl Gotch
By Steve Slagle

The name Gotch means a lot to wrestling, and instantly conjures up thoughts about the legendary turn-of-the-century exploits of the original World Wrestling Champion, Frank Gotch. However, unbeknownst to most contemporary wrestling fans, there was another man who wrestled under the name Gotch, a man who is considered by many to be nearly as important and deserving of history's praise as his more famous namesake. In Japan, Karl Gotch is held in as high esteem as Frank Gotch is in America. Likewise, his supreme wrestling skill is as legendary there as Frank Gotch's grappling techniques are here. The main difference, though, is that in Japan, both men are revered and respected, while in America, Karl Gotch is basically unknown by the vast majority of wrestling fans. Although he may not be as famous as many of the other Hall of Famers, Karl Gotch, a technical wizard and influential champion in the early history of Japanese wrestling, is every bit as deserving. Quite simply, he helped shape our sport into what it is today, despite the lack of notoriety in the U.S.

Karl Gotch was actually born Karl Istaz, in 1924 in Hamburg, Germany. He started his career in the mid-1950's, after being trained at "Snake Pit" Billy Riley's Gym in Britain, and he originally used the name Karl Krauser. As Karl Krauser, he won several tournaments throughout his native Europe during the first few yeas of his career. But in 1959, when he traveled to the booming world of American pro wrestling, he was greeted by a somewhat cold reception. Istaz was a shooter, not a performer, and as a result, he was often passed over by promoters who were looking to pack the house. Unable to do interviews (due to his accent, and mild mannerisms) that intrigued the TV wrestling audience, but more than able to wrestle circles around 90% of his competition, the highly talented Krauser was used primarily as a lower-card worker. His fellow wrestlers, who were higher up "the ladder" often ducked him, as they knew that Karl Istaz was a dangerous, highly skilled grappler. Not flashy, not flamboyant...but a man who could, and occasionally did, make performance-style wrestlers look highly incompetent whenever he wished.

In 1961, in an attempt to add to his persona, Istaz began wrestling under the name Karl Gotch (in honor of the late, great World champion) and slowly began rising up in the territorial ranks. Soon after changing his ring name to Gotch, Istaz finally began enjoying some well-deserved success. He won the AWA (Ohio) Heavyweight Title in September of 1962 by defeating Don Leo Jonathon, and held the then-prestigous championship for 2 full years before being defeated by the great Lou Thesz.

It was around this time that Gotch became involved in a series of real-life altercations with NWA World Heavyweight champion "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers. Gotch claimed that a fearful Rogers was continually ducking his challenges. As the AWA (Ohio) champion, Gotch felt he was a legitimate NWA World Title contender, but Rogers continually refused to wrestle him. Rogers, on the other hand, felt Gotch (who was still far from being a "big draw") was simply trying to make a name for himself, at the expense of his own. "The Nature Boy" was not shy about telling Gotch, and anyone else backstage, what he thought about "the shooter". The animosity between the two eventually led to a locker room fist fight (which was initiated by Gotch) that saw "The Nature Boy" come out a beaten man. It also ended up alienating Gotch from even more promoters and fellow wrestlers.

Just prior to his altercation with Rogers, Gotch wrestled his first match in Japan, which turned out to be a 45-minute draw against established Japanese star Michiaki Yoshimura. Little did Gotch know that it would be in the land of the Rising Sun that he would achieve his greatest fame. So enamored with the talented and athletic Gotch were the Japanese, that he is, to this day, referred to as "The God of Pro Wrestling". In addition to the influence his unique technical style generated, Gotch help shape wrestling forever through the men he trained. Where would the business of pro wrestling in Japan be, had there not been men like Antonio Inoki, Tatsumi Fujinami, Hiro Matsuda, Osamu Kido, Satoru Sayama (the legendary Tiger Mask) and Yoshiaki Fujiwara? Gotch trained them all, and many others, and instilled in them the same appreciation of wrestling skill and technique that had made him such a star in Japan. However, in America, things for Gotch were quite different. Although he was considered by many to be the "Uncrowned Champion", Gotch had to struggle for each of the few titles he gained during his 30-year career. He teamed with "Iron" Mike Dibiase in 1967 to win the WWA World Tag Team title in Los Angeles, eventually losing the straps to Pedro Morales & Victor Rivera. His other major title victory was the WWWF World Tag Team championship, which he won with Rene Goulet on December 6, 1971. After being defeated by Baron Mikel Scicluna & King Curtis Iaukea just 3 months later, Gotch soon left the WWWF and returned to Japan for the remainder of his career.

His last major title was New Japan's "Real" World Heavyweight Title, which he won in 1972. He spent the next several years in Japan as a premier wrestler and trainer. One of the biggest stars the island nation had ever known, he wrestled his last match on January 1, 1982 when he defeated Yoshiaki Fujiwara in Tokyo. Soon after, Gotch retired from the sport, in front of the fans that truly appreciated his talent. Through his talent, style, and influence, Karl Gotch established himself as one of the best wrestlers of his, or any, era. Despite his lack of fame and notoriety, he truly helped shape the sport into what it is today (especially in Japan) and was a genuine trend-setter, whose influence is still being felt to this day. With this in mind, The Ring Chronicle proudly inducts "The God of Pro Wrestling" Karl Gotch into TRC's Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame...

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Some links and vidclips:

Wiki entry
Jake Shannon of Scientific Wrestling's Interview with Karl Gotch

IN MEMORY OF: Boxing's Vernon Forrest (41-3, 29 KO's)

Boxing has lost another champion :-( RIP Vernon Forrest, the first fighter to defeat Sugar Shane Mosley.

Cut and pasted from NY Times:

July 27, 2009

Forrest, Ex-Boxing Champ, Is Killed

By DERRICK HENRY
Vernon Forrest, a former middleweight boxing champion also known for his charitable work, was shot and killed Saturday night in Atlanta. The police said that he had apparently been robbed and then exchanged gunfire with his assailant.

Forrest, 38, is the third prominent boxer to die this month. Arturo Gatti, a super featherweight and light welterweight, was found dead July 11 at a Brazilian resort. Alexis Argüello, a champion in the lightweight divisions, was found dead on July 1 at his home in Managua, Nicaragua. He had been elected mayor of Nicaragua’s capital last year.

Last September, Forrest reclaimed his World Boxing Council title at 154 pounds by beating Sergio Mora, an opponent 10 years younger. Forrest, who had a 41-3 career record with 29 knockouts, had been sidelined by injury and vacated his crown. In 2002, he twice defeated Shane Mosley and was named Ring Magazine’s Fighter of the Year.

Forrest, who lived in Atlanta, had stopped at a gas station on Whitehall Street in central part of the city to put air into the tires of his Jaguar when a man robbed him at gunpoint, the police said. Forrest, who also was armed, chased the man several hundred feet, toward a nearby intersection. The two exchanged gunfire, Atlanta Police Det. Lt. Keith Meadows told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Forrest suffered seven to eight shots to the back, the police said. Lt. Meadows said there was evidence that Forrest had used his weapon, but the police did not know if the assailant had been shot.

An 11-year-old boy who was in Forrest’s vehicle gave police a description of the assailant. The boy, the son of Forrest’s girlfriend, did not witness the shootings, the police said.

An autopsy was planned for Sunday, The Associated Press reported.

Forrest, a former W.B.C. super welterweight champion, was just as noted for his work outside the ring. In 1998, he started Destiny’s Child, a foundation for people with mental disabilities in Atlanta.

Forrest said he thought of starting the foundation after seeing an autistic child struggle to tie his shoes. “If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain’t that significant,” he said in a 2006 New York Times interview. “A light just turned on in my head.”

The foundation set up group homes in the Atlanta area.

“We teach mathematics and how to count money,” Forrest said in a 2003 Times interview. “We had this one 18-year-old boy to whom all money looked the same. He had trouble with quarters and nickels. Then one day, he said, ‘Uncle Vernon, I got it, I got it.’ ”

NOTE: My thanks to Guro Crafty Dog on the Dog Brothers forum for the heads-up.