Looking to get into Puroresu

[Guest JMTapes]

I've been a WWF fan all my life, and I never really gave indies or Japan stuff a chance. But I'd like to expand my horizons because from what I hear, some awesome stuff comes out of Japan. What I'm looking for are some suggestions on tapes to get that would be good to introduce someone like me to Japanese wrestling. I generally don't like long, mat-based matches. What I'm looking for is some good, fast-paced stuff. Can anyone help me out? Thanks-Jim

[Guest wolverine]

Look at the pinned threads. Plenty of tape sites, match recommendations, etc.....

[Guest Coffin Surfer]

Just don't jump head first into the Misawa/Kawada fued and you'll do just fine.

 

For an All Japan noob I would recommend starting with these matches, they are rather quick and exciting with little need for backstory:

 

Kawada vs. Kobashi 4/93

Kobashi/Kikuchi vs. Kroffat/Furnas 5/92

Kobashi vs. Hansen 7/93

Misawa/Kobashi/Akiyama vs. Kawada/Taue/Ogawa 7/93

[Guest wolverine]

How about a short, mat-based match?

 

Kiyoshi Tamura vs. Volk Han (RINGS, 1/22/97) is a little over 12 minutes and features some of the best wrestling you will ever see. They go from hold to hold with such awe-inspiring grace and beauty, that it can only be described as poetry in motion. The standup portions of the match are dramatic as hell, as Tamura continuously attempts to derail Han with his super stiff kicks to the midsection, but Volk is always thinking one step ahead - preparing for just the right moment to catch Tamura and lock on his favorite submission move, the cross heel hold. The transitions from the ground are nearly flawless as well, as these two had perfected the worked shoot craft at this point, and this was basically their showcase. They hit a grand slam, because until the Tamura/Kohsaka match in June 1998, this could very well have been the greatest pure wrestling match in history. And what's so mind blowing is that they did it in such a short period of time.

 

Suffice to say, this is the best under 15 minute match I've ever seen, and it would also rank in my top 5 list of men's singles bouts. As much as I love All Japan from the 90's, there isn't one singles match that they ever produced that I'd take to the Desert Island before this. And that's saying something. ****3/4 (just begging to be 5).

[Guest wolverine]

Kawada vs. Kobashi 4/93

 

Great, brutal stuff here, worked at a blistering pace. Typical strong selling from Kawada, including some awesome heat for the near falls. I really wish they had shown the entire match, because the 10 minutes that air have all the makings of a classic. It falls just short, yet is still an absolute must-see.

 

Kobashi/Kikuchi vs. Kroffat/Furnas 5/92

 

Ridiculously heated, to the point where the crowd is equally famous as the match. And speaking of which, they totally tear the house down. Kikuchi (in the face-in-peril role) gets his ass handed to him, with the crowd just exploding when Kobashi makes the hot tag, showcasing a career's worth of fire in a matter of minutes. All the big spots you'd expect, including one of the best moonsaults I've ever seen done by Kobashi. Fukuzawa's announcing is out of control here, as his typical energy is magnified to a scary degree, which adds layers of drama to a match that hardly needed it.

 

Kobashi vs. Hansen 7/93

 

What more can be said? This is Hansen's greatest performance, in a career full of great ones. But it's not like Kenta was just along for the ride. He was awesome in his role, beating the crap out of the top gaijin in the early portion, which had to come off as somewhat shocking at the time. Stan's selling was fabulous, as was the transition where Kobashi dove face first into his boot. Awesome finish, especially when they show the replay after, where you can really see the Western Lariat's impact.

 

Misawa/Kobashi/Akiyama vs. Kawada/Taue/Ogawa 7/93

 

Kind of an obscure match, as it's not on the common blocks of AJ 1993 TV that you'll find floating around. However, it's worth every second of your time in tracking down. The interactions between Kawada and Kobashi were intense as hell, as these guys were obviously two of the world's best at this point. Then there's Tosh torturing young Jun with some of the most vicious kicks to the back I've ever seen. Definitely the best 6-man ever, and for accessiblity, maybe as good an introduction to AJPW out there.

[Guest Tim Cooke]

It all depends on what you personally like.

 

If you like Juniors and flying, search out Michinoku Pro from 1993-1997.

 

If you like Juniors with more psychology, check out Otani's 1996 (and Liger's 1996).

 

If you like heavyweights, start with 1990 AJPW with Jumbo v Misawa and work your way through.

 

Lots of options.

 

These posts are useless unless you first do a little bit of research and then come asking specific questions so people can help you on your way.

 

Tim

[Guest Tim Cooke]

Han/Tamura works for someone with experience in MMA or Japanese Wrestling, but for a newcomer, those subs and what they are doing with them probably won't mean shit. Even though it is a "Sprint" in terms of UWF style.

 

Tim, disappointed that Han won't be working the 5/2/03 NJPW Tokyo Dome show due to "Legal Problems" in his home country of Russia.

[Guest Jimmy Saint]

I generally don't like long, mat-based matches. What I'm looking for is some good, fast-paced stuff.

I'd wait before you start checking AJPW mid 90's stuff or Joshi. The style will just fly over your head half the time.

 

 

If you can't be arsed with long mat-based matches. I'd give Toryumon and Michinoku Pro a go. Choice FMW stuff with the likes of Hayabusa, Tanaka, Awesome, Funk etc. Plus mid 90's NJPW juniors.

 

Bob Barnetts TV comps are worth a look as he collects the best matches from Japan in 2 month blocks and puts them all on 4 hour tapes and you get a great mix of stuff. You will get a good look at various feds and workers.

 

 

Oh and please try not to turn into an elitest Puro wanker the internet is too full of them already.

[Guest wolverine]

It only flies over the head of people with the attention span of a 2 year old. Like yourself, maybe?

[Guest JMTapes]

Thanks, guys. I'll try to do some more homework first. -JM

[Guest Jimmy Saint]

I was suggesting to this guy who has never watched any Puro before that they probably arn't the best place to start for him. IMO its best building to them after getting a feel for the japanese style first. Myself I have boxes full of tapes from AJPW going back to that 70's [personally I am a massive mark for the 80's most with Choshu's army invading and workers like Flair, DiBiase and the Bulldogs touring alot].

 

 

Oh but you did'nt know that though did you. Guy who started the thread again

 

"please try not to turn into an elitest Puro wanker the internet is too full of them already. "

[Guest wolverine]

So you have boxes of tapes. You want a cookie or something? Show us that you have a clue first, because so far, I've seen nothing from you.

[Guest Jimmy Saint]

sorry arn't you the guy recomending Tamura vs Volk Han to someone who says they don't like mat based matches. Shit why not go the whole hog and tell him to start with BattlArts while your at it.

[Guest Tim Cooke]

The Han/Tamura match isn't a normal UWF style mat based match as it is almost a UWF sprint.

 

The guy wanted fast paced. Well, even if he went with the 10/10/96 MPro 10 man, he would still get fast paced mat worked at the beginning.

 

Han/Tamura is a match that *could* open his eyes to something new. NJ Juniors work from 1995-1996 has a ton of more mediocre mat work than 1/22/97.

 

Tim, BattlArts sucks

[Guest Jimmy Saint]

As a wild guess here I don't think worked shoot matches were the type of thing he was asking for when he said he liked fast paced matches. Rings, Batbat etc imo would'nt be the ideal start for someone wanting to get into Puro especc if they arn't a mat work fan.

 

 

Whilst a ten man MPro match on the other hand would probably be ideal.

[Guest wolverine]

Too bad. I wasn't looking for Joshi when I first got into Japanese wrestling, but after I saw it, I was pissed that I didn't get it sooner since it was some of the greatest stuff I'd ever seen.

 

Just remember, conformity sucks.

[Guest Coffin Surfer]

I generally don't like long, mat-based matches. What I'm looking for is some good, fast-paced stuff.

I'd wait before you start checking AJPW mid 90's stuff or Joshi. The style will just fly over your head half the time.

 

 

Plus mid 90's NJPW juniors.

 

There's something wrong here, oh yes.

 

The best 90s All Japan has very little to no mat work.

 

While the best mid 90s New Japan juniors has a ton of it.

[Guest Jubuki]

If Joshi isn't fast-paced, what is? What the fuck...

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

If this person is willing to open himself to new things like Japanese wrestling, then he should be willing to open himself up to mat-based wrestling. His mind is already open to things beyond the WWE. How can you say you don't like something until you try it?

[Guest Jimmy Saint]

I generally don't like long, mat-based matches. What I'm looking for is some good, fast-paced stuff.

I'd wait before you start checking AJPW mid 90's stuff or Joshi. The style will just fly over your head half the time.

 

 

Plus mid 90's NJPW juniors.

 

There's something wrong here, oh yes.

 

The best 90s All Japan has very little to no mat work.

 

While the best mid 90s New Japan juniors has a ton of it.

I suggested MPro, Toryumon and FMW first. All easy to get into stuff for the average WWE fan. Then move onto NJPW juniors > AJPW heavys > Joshi > etc.

 

I never said don't watch AJPW or Joshi or the worked shoot style.

 

If someone is new to Puro its best starting with the more flashy stuff then move into the deeper things. Why put someone off the whole Japanese wrestling culture because they buy one show and don't like it ?

[Guest wolverine]

Tell me why that stuff you mentioned would be a better starter, than, say, the 7/2/93 AJPW 6-man? Care to provide proof, examples, anything?

 

Because right now, I'm thinking you haven't even seen any of the matches listed in this thread.

[Guest Rob Edwards]

If fast paced is your thing (I'm a bit of a speed mark myself) then I reccomend you start with a couple of Jcups (94 and 95 are always good) before moving into my favourate world of Joshi

[Guest XdojimeX]

What, no love for Dog Legs?

 

As far as handi-capped professional wrestling goes its pretty damn fast paced.

 

...

 

OK that was wrong.

[Guest DragonflyKid]

What, no love for Dog Legs?

 

As far as handi-capped professional wrestling goes its pretty damn fast paced.

 

...

 

OK that was wrong.

 

 

On that note:

 

I had a 5 volume best of Akemi Torisu custom comp put together while we're on the subject of fast-paced pro wrestling. I am planning on shilling it but am dubbing as many copies as possible because I'm aware of the demand it will carry and want to be ready in advance as to avoid being backlogged which I'm sure will be unavoidable anyway. At a time where overrated talents like Hokuto, Kong, Toyota are celebrated I bring the love for the real deal Akemi Torisu. Anyone who's interested(And by that I'm assuming everyone) I'll have it ready to go for the low bargin price of $15.00 each shipped or all five incredible volumes for $60.00 in a few weeks. Be patient and stop drooling over your keyboards in mad anticipation for this once in alifetime offer.

 

 

If you feel on going a lesser route Michinoku pro '96, the Super J cups, The Toyota/Yamada VS Ozaki/Kansai series are filled with action. AJPW Jumbo & company VS Misawa & company are great with all the combinations of wrestlers, the intensity and great work so they make for the ideal intro to the AJ style.

[Guest Jimmy Saint]

Tell me why that stuff you mentioned would be a better starter, than, say, the 7/2/93 AJPW 6-man? Care to provide proof, examples, anything?

 

Because right now, I'm thinking you haven't even seen any of the matches listed in this thread.

Because I see the the AJPW heavys imo as the pinnacle of Japanese wrestling. I believe its best for someone to get a bearing of the Puro style first by seeing the different variants and building up to it than jumping straight into the more infamous matches.

 

 

 

Ohh and don't be so high and mighty son about namedropping a few matches. Grow up abit it would be nice. Theres no harm in suggesting to people that they start with the FMW's and Toryumon's before they move onto the more smark credible stuff.

[Guest Coffin Surfer]

Tell me why that stuff you mentioned would be a better starter, than, say, the 7/2/93 AJPW 6-man?  Care to provide proof, examples, anything?

 

Because right now, I'm thinking you haven't even seen any of the matches listed in this thread.

Because I see the the AJPW heavys imo as the pinnacle of Japanese wrestling. I believe its best for someone to get a bearing of the Puro style first by seeing the different variants and building up to it than jumping straight into the more infamous matches.

 

 

 

Ohh and don't be so high and mighty son about namedropping a few matches. Grow up abit it would be nice. Theres no harm in suggesting to people that they start with the FMW's and Toryumon's before they move onto the more smark credible stuff.

There is no such thing as a puro style.

 

There are many different styles in many different promotions that happen to be located in Japan. MPro and All Japan are like apples and oranges, one isn't going to prepare you better for the other.

 

Mpro is by no means a primer for All Japan, fuck, that would turn me off to puro.

 

The matches I suggested pretty much fit his criteria and do not require back story. They are a perfect way to get acquainted with the heavies. And watching Sasuke doing tumbles isn't going to add anything to Kawada vs. Kobashi.

[Guest Jimmy Saint]

And watching Sasuke doing tumbles isn't going to add anything to Kawada vs. Kobashi.

The FMW's and Toryumon's and Osaka Pro's of this world you may turn you nose up at but to me they are a good primer for people getting used to Japanese wrestling if they have just watched US wrestling all their lives. Your right there is no singular Japanese style. But if someone wants fast paced action with little mat work I would point them at some of the crazy Toryumon 3 way 3 man tags or MPro 10 man tags first.

 

 

There is nothing wrong with going straight into AJPW early 90's heavys I suppose. But saving the best for last would probably make the ish more meanginful in the long run imo. Anyhow there is no right or wrong in this. If someone sees a Japanese match up and enjoys it and wants to buy more its done its job whatever it was.

[Guest wolverine]

So you haven't seen any of the matches. Therefore, you have absolutely zero to contribute. Thanks for wasting everyone's fucking time, sport.

[Guest Jimmy Saint]

I've got all these

 

Kawada vs. Kobashi 4/93 cut tv version

Kobashi/Kikuchi vs. Kroffat/Furnas 5/92

Kobashi vs. Hansen 7/93

 

 

Do I get a cookie or whatever. You seen Baba/Jumbo vs Dory/Terry Funk from 75 ? Want me to be a cunt about the fact if your havent ?

[Guest wolverine]

In that case, do a write-up that compares and contrasts the strengths of each in relation to the strengths of what you propose people should start with. Backing up what you have to say is always the best bet (not that you'd know). Otherwise, you come off as ignorant. Good rule of thumb.