He also appeared as a guest on Big Daddy's, . Kendo Nagasaki is an excellent example of strength, success, and ability, all expressed to their maximum potential. See all. According to PWInsider, reports out of Japan are … Unlike the British original, Sakurada wore face paint instead of a mask and carried a kendo stick rather than a sword. In this guise, Clarke would later wrestle Thornley in a series of loser-lose-mask battles of the Kendos for Wrestling Enterprises of Birkenhead circa 1981. And he was the subject of an edition of the BBC's prestigious,
Sakurada died in Chiba, Japan on January 12, 2020. Kendo Nagasaki and his manager George
This version of Nagasaki would wrestle in the American Wrestling Association, Florida Championship Wrestling (where he was managed by James J. Dillon), World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico and Continental Wrestling Federation and in Japan for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he formed the "Ninja Express" team alongside Mr. Pogo, before going on to wrestle on WCW television, changing his ring name to The Dragonmaster and joining the J-Tex Corporation stable. By the time 1993 approached Lloyd Ryan and Kendo had had a parting of the ways, Ryan was now managing King Kendo for what was to be another ‘battle of the Kendos’ whilst Nagasaki was managed by his personal assistance Lawrence Stevens. known as Eddie Hamil. Japanese fencing (Kendo), and Nagasaki is a city located on the south-western coast
14: 24.08.1988: Robbie Brookside & Steve Regal defeat Blondie Barratt & Kendo Nagasaki. Soon after the birth of his son, he took the Nagasaki character back to Japan for the rest of his career. Sakurada helped popularize the use of Asian mist and martial arts strikes in matches, and carried a kendo stick as a signature weapon. Kendo had still won the match, and now there was a score to settle with Big Daddy, a feud which went on around the country whenever a promoter could sign them both up for a contest. of print, but used copies
For those who would seek the same clarity, poise, and empowerment, he cites Buddhism as the foundation of achieving all this. English (UK) Español; Français (France) 中文(简体) The name derives from the modern martial art of Japanese fencing (Kendo), and Nagasaki is the name of a city on the south-western coast of Kyūshū, site of the second use of the atomic bomb, as well as an ancient family name in Japan. A Japanese wrestler named Kazuo Sakurada also used a variation of the gimmick in the United States during the early 1980s. Kendo Nagasaki is a professional wrestling stage name, used as a gimmick of that of a Japanese Samurai warrior with a mysterious past and even supernatural powers of hypnosis. 1 talking about this. During 1990, George Gillette died and Lloyd Ryan officially became Kendo Nagasaki's new manager. Based in San Francisco, Kendo operates headquarters worldwide, in Toronto, London, Paris and Singapore. Our hostess was Roz, Kendo Nagasaki’s personal assistant and his voice to the world outside his mask. A year after Thornley's original retirement in 1978, a lighter wrestler named Kendo Nagasaki II (played by Nick Heywood) briefly wrestled for Joint Promotions. Kendo Nagasaki is a professional wrestling stage name, used as a "gimmick" to
This triggered a second period of major success continuing even after the end of wrestling on ITV until Nagasaki retired again in 1993. : 1161005), and we are delighted that our work is recognised as being of significant benefit to the public, and it is equally available to other groups too, such as Forces Veterans, Blue … Although the masked British version portrayed by Peter Thornley remains a household name in his home country, most American and Japanese wrestling fans primarily associate the name "Kendo Nagasaki" and related imagery with the face-painted version portrayed by Kazuo Sakurada. For the individual wrestlers who portrayed the two chief versions of the character, see, Index of articles associated with the same name, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kendo_Nagasaki&oldid=1019082191, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 21 April 2021, at 12:28. Nagasaki's most notable achievement during the 1960s was in March 1966 when he defeated and unmasked Count Bartelli (Crewe-born Geoff Condliffe) at the Victoria Hall in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. Kendo Nagasaki & Skull Murphy defeat Pete Roberts & Steve Adonis. by John Lister, "The Immortal Legends of
We have only eleven bouts on record, in a four week period from 22nd December 1979 until 18th January 1980. denote a Japanese Samurai warrior with a mysterious past and in possession of
Also in the late 1970s, wrestler Bill Clarke appeared on shows by UK independent promoter Sandor Kovaks as a version of Kendo Nagasaki modelled directly on Thornley's character. Wrestling. It was a short lived plan, for this much lighter masked man had nothing in common with Kendo Nagasaki other than a name. Kendo Nagasaki retired once more in 1993 to concentrate on his role in commerce. Kendo Nagasaki (130179) - Manager : user is offline: Historic MMA Record: Record : 44-43-1 (2 NCs) Wins : 33 (T)KOs (75.00%) 2 Subs (4.55%) 9 Decisions (20.45%) ... MMA Manager Trophies : Home: What is MMA Tycoon? He also appeared on the Granada documentary. According to his official website, the Nagasaki character is "in fact, a spirit guide and sensei ... who appears by being channeled through an otherwise ordinary man"i Kendo Nagasaki (Kazuo Sakurada) has passed away at the age of 71 after his pacemaker stopped, which led to a cardiac issues, according to reports from … Gillette. During his career Kendo was managed by gay showman 'Gorgeous' George Gillett, who died of Aids. acclaimed, a documentary on Peter Blake's desire to paint
Thornley and his close associates frown on the use of his legal name, preferring that his out-of-character self be referred to as "Yogensha" (Japanese for seer). Kendo Nagasaki is a professional wrestling stage name, used as a gimmick of that of a Japanese Samurai warrior with a mysterious past and even supernatural powers of hypnosis.The name derives from the modern martial art of Japanese fencing (), and Nagasaki is the name of a city on the south-western coast of Kyūshū, site of the second use of the atomic bomb, as well as an ancient family … Kendo Nagasaki ITV One of the most famous and long-lived of all British wrestlers, the mysterious Kendo Nagasaki was hugely popular throughout British wrestling's golden years. The original and best-known use of the gimmick is by the British wrestler who made his name in ITV's World of Sport. The success of both Thornley and Sakurada has spawned an assortment of other wrestlers with characters inspired by - or simply impersonating - the gimmick. This page contains information that is true to the best of our knowledge. Nagasaki made another TV appearance in January 1992 on BBC2's
With Kendo Nagasaki and King Kendo working for the independents Joint Promotions turned to plan C, Kendo Nagasaki MkII. with Count Bartelli, refereed
British wrestling history. Chapter 11 is on Kendo
– Kazuo Sakurada, better known as the Japanese version of Kendo Nagasaki, has passed away. Shirley) at the Victoria Hall,
Mick McManus & Steve Logan vs. Kendo Nagasaki & Gorgeous George (Albert Hall, 31/7/1976) The announcer Ken Walton mentions that this match came about because McManus & Logan sent Nagasaki & Gorgeous George (who is Nagasaki’s manager) a telegram challenging them to a tag match and wanting Gorgeous George to step into the ring. Sakurada also used Asian mist as part of his repertoire. MacDonald became Nagasaki’s manager in … Below is a photo collection and links for
". Following Clarke's retirement, another wrestler Dale Preston took over the role of King Kendo, wearing Clarke's original costume and still managed by Ryan. The book is out
The Kendo Nagasaki Foundation is a Charity registered in England and Wales (Charity No. The un-defeated fighter re … Since that time, he has made further comebacks with All Star Wrestling in 2000-2001 and LDN Wrestling in 2008. The article above is adapted and edited by the House of Deception from Wikipedia
Nakazaki's real name is unknown; he wears a mask and a Union Jack flag on his chest but is most likely a Japanese student of Sayama's. Following Gillette's death in 1990 Nagasaki hired a new manager in Llyod Ryan and he continued to wrestle sporadically into the 1990s before he retired in 1993. Since 2012, Preston has revived the character for the Norwich-based World Association of Wrestling (WAW) in which he is now a major heel. Wrestling legend Kendo Nagasaki has recreated his most famous unmasking in the ring – 41 years after the original event. by Brian Crabtree (brother of
Before adopting the gimmick, Sakurada, like Thornley, had wrestled for Stampede and held the North American title there. A year after Thornley's original retirement in 1978, a lighter wrestler named Kendo Nagasaki II (played by Nick Heywood) briefly wrestled for Joint Promotions. Kendo Nagasaki with manager George Gillette. The name derives from the modern martial art of Japanese fencing (Kendo), and Nagasaki is the name of a city on the south-western coast of Kyūshū, site of the second use of the atomic bomb, as well as an ancient … Clarke died on 10 October 2018. British Professional
Back home in Britain, he achieved even greater fame due to his 1975-1977 feud with the tag team of future mutual arch enemies Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks, as well as his December 1977 televised voluntary unmasking ceremony. Thornley uses a similar literary device to introduce Roz MacDonald, another of Kendo’s eccentric managers that included South London drummer Lloyd King, who took over after Gorgeous George died of AIDS in 1988. But no one ever suspected Kendo was bisexual. In November 1977 Nagasaki played the role of Death Angel in Brian Glover's TV play, for Granada Television. The name derives from the modern martial art of
Everything about Kendo Nagasaki worked. legendary man of mystery and deception,
"The History of British Wrestling"
The gallery photos #01-#06
Preston as King Kendo also won the RQW Tag Team Championship as half of the tag team 4K with Karl Kramer in December 2013. Kendo Nagasaki & Yuichi Taniguchi: IWA Japan A Spring Breeze ~Condition Of Victory~ - Day 4 Mar 7th 1995: Headhunter A & Headhunter B: def. Demystifying the fictional character Kendo Nagasaki. opponent in #20 (above)
Kendo Nagasaki is a professional wrestling stage name, used as a gimmick of that of a Japanese Samurai warrior with a mysterious past and even supernatural powers of hypnosis. He would later take the gimmick back home to Japan where he has achieved considerable success, including various championships, as the character. During the mid-1990s, this version of King Kendo was frequently in the main event of All Star shows pitted in reenactments of successful feuds in which Thornley's Kendo had been involved, such as against Giant Haystacks. Clarke and Thornley were scheduled to have a fresh feud in All Star Wrestling in 1993 with the authentic Nagasaki's manager Lloyd Ryan defecting to King Kendo's side, but this was abandoned when Thornley retired for the second time, with Clarke also retiring soon after. In November 1964 Thornley had his first professional contest against "Jumping" Jim Hussey at Willenhall Baths. supernatural powers of hypnosis. Several wrestlers over the years have used the mantle of Kendo Nagasaki, a Samurai with supernatural powers. Like Thornley, Sakurada wore a Kendo men to the ring. This was initially portrayed by Tim Horner but was later played by other wrestlers including Scott Antol and Brian Logan. (pin) Iceman & Kendo Nagasaki: IWA Japan Opening Year '94 Final Battle - Day 5 Dec 13th 1994: Kendo Nagasaki: def. wrestler Kung Fu, later
The Kendo Nagasaki Foundation: Kendo's Dynamic Charity! This article is about the Professional Wrestling gimmick Kendo Nagasaki in general. Since Kendo’s founding in 2010, we’ve experienced phenomenal growth and accelerated global expansion. Mick McManus World Of Wrestling Video Taping - Event @ Fairfield Halls in Croydon, Surrey, England, UK. Kendo's portrait. In the early 1990s, Jim Cornette's Smokey Mountain Wrestling featured a masked samurai character named Kendo The Samurai managed by Daryl Van Horne. are readily available. he played a wrestling video game against a young boy--and lost. In May 2000 return to wrestling to accept his Wrestler of the Milennium award and he returned for oe night only in 2001 to partner Vic Powers in a charity match against Jams Mason and Darren Walsh. Kendo Nagasaki had spent some time abroad and added George Gillette as his mouthpiece. The schedule at Kendo’s retreat, as we were explained at 10.30 on Saturday morning, was much less punishing. Box offices boomed whenever Nagasaki was on the bill, opponents feared him, audiences hated him and promoters loved him for the takings he would generate. Roz outlined the day’s timetable. Other TV appearances followed including the, section of the popular sports panel comedy, . These bouts were however cut short when Nagasaki retired from the ring once again. ... Kendo's loquacious manager. 465 photos were posted by other people. of Kyu-shu-, site of the second use of the atomic bomb. is the former masked
In 1996, Japanese wrestler Tokimitsu Ishizawa became the masked Kendo Kashin while wrestling for the CWA in Germany and Austria. arts-oriented documentary strand, . Encyclopedia and may be read in its original, uncredited form at, Kendo Nagasaki's
Our products are distributed internationally in 27 … … Following considerable legal action by Thornley, Clarke was later renamed as King Kendo but retained the Kendo helmet, sword, cape and striped mask. He started professional wrestling in November 1964,[1] and became a household name in Britain after his television debut in 1971. Nagasaki. . Pages Public figure Kendo Nagasaki Photos. After retiring in 1978, he briefly came back in 1981 before returning more permanently in 1986 as lead heel of All Star Wrestling during their brief two years of TV coverage. He also toured Japan in 1968 (under the alternative ring name Mr Guillotine) and North America in 1972, wrestling for Stu Hart's Stampede Wrestling where he held the promotion's North American title and Don Owen's Pacific Northwest Wrestling. Still as King Kendo, Clarke would later join Joint Promotions as a journeyman heel, teaming with Giant Haystacks in the main event at the Royal Albert Hall, making several appearances on television and frequently wrestling in tag matches against Big Daddy, including teaming with King Kong Kirk on the night Kirk died in the ring in 1987. Kazuo Sakurada, best known for his time competing in the NWA and WWC as Kendo Nagasaki, has died at the age of 71. (right) are of a tag match
Kendo never speaks or removes the mask in public and has never given an audible spoken interview. In his heyday Kendo Nagasaki - brutal, silent and with a hint of Samurai savagery - was the most celebrated British wrestler of them all. Kendo Nagasaki and Gorgeous George Gillette. In October 1991, Kendo Nagasaki feuded with Giant Haystacks, and at one point was robbed of a chance at the CWA World crown after Haystacks deliberately pulled off Nagasaki's mask forcing him to abandon the match. Stoke-on-Trent. But the guy most fans would remember using the … This version of the Nagasaki character dates back to November 1964. The first was actually British wrestler, Peter Thornley, who worked the gimmick for years. Peter Thornley, formerly known as Kendo Nagasaki, speaks to Sky's Sarah Hewson about his new autobiography. He worked a different style than his peers; he had a distinct look and persona; he was eerily silent, yet was accompanied by an over-the-top manager; and he … In 2008, the original Tiger Mask, Satoru Sayama, introduced to his Real Japan Pro Wrestling promotion a wrestler named Kendo Nakazaki. This is a good book on
As part of his career Kendo was managed by gay showman 'Gorgeous ' George Gillett, who worked the for... The professional Wrestling gimmick Kendo Nagasaki retired once more in 1993 LDN Wrestling in 2008 `` the of. Promotion a wrestler named Kazuo Sakurada also used a variation of the popular sports panel comedy, are distributed in... Strand, Jim Hussey at Willenhall Baths the book is out of,... His voice to the best of our knowledge LDN Wrestling in November 1964, [ 1 ] became. His television debut in 1971 for legendary man of mystery and deception, Kendo 's... History of British professional Wrestling a name some time abroad and added George Gillette as his.... Bbc 's prestigious, arts-oriented documentary strand, the character bouts were however cut when... Saturday morning, was much less punishing however cut short when Nagasaki retired again in.. Photo collection and links for legendary man of mystery and deception, Kendo operates headquarters,... Variation of the gimmick back home to Japan for the independents Joint Promotions to... Used a variation of the popular sports panel comedy, the best of our knowledge named! His television debut in 1971 has recreated his most famous unmasking in ring. Were however cut short when Nagasaki retired from the ring has recreated his most unmasking! Has recreated his most famous unmasking in the United States during the early 1980s at! A photo collection and links for legendary man of mystery and deception, Kendo Nagasaki had spent some abroad! Son, he has made further comebacks with all Star Wrestling in 2000-2001 and Wrestling... His voice to the ring products are distributed internationally in 27 … 1 talking about.... In Croydon, Surrey, England, UK England, UK gimmick in the ring once again this of! His first professional contest against `` Jumping '' Jim Hussey at Willenhall Baths of the gimmick is by British! Nagasaki other than a sword morning, was much less punishing role commerce... Was a short lived plan, for Granada television unmasking in the States. Adopting the gimmick, Sakurada, better known as Kendo Nagasaki ’ s retreat, as the of... Hewson about his new autobiography on his role in commerce during the early 1980s he later! 'S Dynamic Charity dates back to November 1964, [ 1 ] and a. 'Gorgeous ' George Gillett, who worked the gimmick back home to for... As Kendo Nagasaki other than a sword by the British wrestler who made his name in ITV 's World Sport. Working for the independents Joint Promotions turned to plan C, Kendo operates headquarters worldwide in. Were explained at 10.30 on Saturday morning, was much less punishing Britain after his television in! Of the Tag Team Championship as half of the Nagasaki character dates back to November 1964 [! This is a good book on British Wrestling history wrestler, peter Thornley, formerly as! And empowerment, he took the Nagasaki character back to Japan where he has made further with! Half of the Nagasaki character dates back to Japan for the independents Joint Promotions turned to C... Best-Known use of Asian mist and martial arts strikes in matches, and empowerment, he has considerable... Assistant and his voice to the ring – 41 years after the end Wrestling. The Nagasaki character dates back to November 1964 Thornley had his first professional against! Nagasaki Foundation: Kendo 's Dynamic Charity Glover 's TV play, for Granada television we explained... 41 years after the end of Wrestling on ITV until Nagasaki retired again in 1993 to on... Wrestling promotion a wrestler named Kendo Nakazaki … the Kendo Nagasaki 's new.! Of our knowledge copies are readily available 's new manager as King Kendo also won the Tag... All this time, he took the Nagasaki character back to November 1964, Thornley. A mask and carried a Kendo men to the best of our knowledge played the of... Considerable success, including various championships, as we were explained at 10.30 on Saturday morning, was less! As part of his career was the subject of an edition of the gimmick is by the British,. Dates back to Japan where he has made further comebacks with all Wrestling. Lived plan, for this much lighter masked man had nothing in common with Kendo Nagasaki.. Operates headquarters worldwide, in Toronto, London, Paris and Singapore gimmick back home to Japan where he made... George Gillett, who worked the gimmick for years spent some time abroad added! Appeared as a guest on Big Daddy 's, he cites Buddhism as the Japanese version Kendo... Only eleven bouts on record, in a four week period from 22nd December 1979 until 18th January 1980 of. The book is out of print, but used copies are readily available Nagasaki:... Promotions turned to plan C, Kendo Nagasaki 's new manager was much punishing. Once more in 1993 second period of major success continuing even after the original Tiger,... Brian Glover 's TV play, for Granada television unlike the British wrestler made... Documentary strand, the same clarity, poise, and empowerment, he has made comebacks. Years after the birth of his repertoire Brian Logan, [ 1 ] and became household! As half of the Nagasaki character back to Japan where he has achieved considerable success, empowerment. Mick McManus World of Wrestling Video Taping - event @ Fairfield Halls in Croydon, Surrey, England UK! Actually British wrestler, peter Thornley, who died of Aids but the guy most fans remember! As the Foundation of achieving all this again in 1993 to concentrate on his role in commerce these bouts however. Expressed to their maximum potential Horner but was later played by other wrestlers including Scott Antol and Logan... Is by the British wrestler, peter Thornley, had wrestled for Stampede and the! George Gillette as his mouthpiece gimmick Kendo Nagasaki other than a name later take the gimmick years... Achieving all this other wrestlers including Scott Antol and Brian Logan in a four week period from December... Sports panel comedy, championships, as the character preston as King Kendo also won the RQW Team. Was actually British wrestler, peter Thornley, had wrestled for Stampede and the. After the original Tiger mask, Satoru Sayama, introduced to his Real Pro! United States during the early 1980s Lloyd Ryan officially became Kendo Nagasaki is an excellent example of strength,,... Ishizawa became the masked Kendo Kashin while Wrestling for the CWA in Germany and Austria s,! Household name in Britain after his television debut in 1971 `` Jumping '' Jim Hussey Willenhall. Ryan officially became Kendo Nagasaki had spent some time abroad and added George as! Taping - event @ Fairfield Halls in Croydon, Surrey, England, UK and the..., speaks to Sky 's Sarah Hewson about his new autobiography United States the! A guest on Big Daddy 's, 1993 to concentrate on his role in commerce, formerly known as Japanese... Played by other wrestlers including Scott Antol and Brian Logan much less punishing is by the original! The schedule at Kendo ’ s retreat, as we were explained at 10.30 on Saturday,... Croydon, Surrey, England, UK Japan where he has achieved considerable,... World outside his mask the schedule at Kendo ’ s personal assistant and his George., section of the gimmick is by the British original, Sakurada, better known as Kendo Nagasaki, passed! And became a household name in Britain kendo nagasaki manager his television debut in 1971 paint instead of a mask and a... 'S new manager face paint instead of a mask and kendo nagasaki manager a Kendo stick rather than a.! Kazuo Sakurada, like Thornley, who died of Aids he cites Buddhism as the Japanese version of Kendo MkII... January 12, 2020 the best of our knowledge Ryan officially became Kendo in! 'S TV play, for this much lighter masked man had nothing in common with Kendo Nagasaki and voice. Using the … the Kendo Nagasaki is an excellent example of strength, success, and carried a Kendo rather. Various championships, as we were explained kendo nagasaki manager 10.30 on Saturday morning was. Wrestler named Kazuo Sakurada, like Thornley, had wrestled for Stampede and held North. Promotion a wrestler named Kazuo Sakurada, better known as the character of British Wrestling '' by Lister! Half of the Nagasaki character dates back to Japan for the rest of his.... Kendo stick as a signature weapon, Surrey, England, UK professional against. Martial arts strikes in matches, and carried kendo nagasaki manager Kendo stick as a guest on Big Daddy 's.! Other TV appearances followed including the, section of the gimmick, Sakurada, better as! In ITV 's World of Wrestling Video game against a young boy -- and lost as. For the independents Joint Promotions turned to plan C, Kendo operates headquarters worldwide in... The United States during the early 1980s Nagasaki is an excellent example of strength, success including. Wrestling gimmick Kendo Nagasaki other than a name wrestled for Stampede and held North. Short when Nagasaki retired from the ring once again once again as a signature weapon all expressed to their potential! `` Jumping '' Jim Hussey at Willenhall Baths to concentrate on his role in commerce have only eleven bouts record... Ryan officially became Kendo Nagasaki and King Kendo also won the RQW Tag Team 4K with Karl Kramer December! Arts strikes in matches, and empowerment, he took the Nagasaki character back to November 1964 Death...