Antonio Inoki

アントニオ猪木 (猪木寛至)

["Professional Wrestler", "Mixed Martial Arts Pioneer", "Politician"]

Born Feb 20, 1943

Yokohama, Japan

Passed Away Oct 01, 2022 Tokyo, Japan

Lifespan 79 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Do not fear what happens if you take the step; if you step forward, that very step becomes the path."

Archival Overview

Legendary Japanese professional wrestler, founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and pioneer of mixed martial arts who fought Muhammad Ali in the historic 1976 Boxer vs. Wrestler bout.

Biographical Record

Kanji 'Antonio' Inoki (1943–2022) was discovered in Brazil by Rikidozan and became one of Asia's most charismatic athletic figures. In 1972, he founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling, popularizing 'Strong Style'—a martial arts style emphasizing realistic strikes, submissions, and fighting spirit (Toukon).

On June 26, 1976, Inoki fought World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan in a groundbreaking precursor to modern MMA seen by an estimated 1.4 billion viewers worldwide. Elected to the Japanese House of Councillors, he also conducted daring hostage diplomacy in Iraq in 1990.

Key Life Milestones

1972

Creation of New Japan Pro-Wrestling

Established NJPW and introduced the 'Strong Style' martial philosophy to international audiences.

1976

The War of the Worlds vs. Muhammad Ali

Fought boxing titan Muhammad Ali in Tokyo in the seminal ancestor match of modern MMA.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

So-ji-ji Temple Cemetery
Yokohama (Kanagawa), Japan

                         GPS: 35.5061, 139.6711                    

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