What Is Japanese Wrestling Style Called?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Japanese wrestling style, also known as puroresu, is a unique and captivating form of professional wrestling that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. Puroresu combines elements of traditional Japanese martial arts, American wrestling, and dramatic storytelling to create a distinct and exciting experience for both the performers and the audience. The Origins of Puroresu Puroresu traces its roots back to the early 1900s when professional wrestling began gaining popularity in Japan. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that puroresu truly took shape under the influence of Rikidōzan, a Korean-Japanese wrestler who became a national hero. Rikidōzan’s success inspired many Japanese wrestlers to follow in his footsteps and helped establish puroresu as a prominent form of entertainment in Japan. The Unique Style of Puroresu Puroresu stands out from other wrestling styles due to its emphasis on hard-hitting strikes, technical grappling, and high-flying maneuvers. Wrestlers in puroresu often showcase their skills through intricate sequences of strikes, holds, and acrobatic moves that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. One distinguishing feature of puroresu is its strong focus on realism. Unlike some other forms of professional wrestling that rely heavily on predetermined outcomes and scripted storylines, puroresu aims to create an illusion of realistic competition. While the matches are choreographed for safety purposes, wrestlers are expected to execute their moves with precision and make them look as authentic as possible. The Role of Strong Style Strong style, another key aspect of puroresu, refers to a more physical and hard-hitting approach to wrestling. It involves stiff strikes, impactful slams, and intense grappling exchanges. This style adds an extra layer of realism and excitement to puroresu matches, as the wrestlers’ strikes and moves carry real impact and force. The Promotion Companies Puroresu is primarily organized and presented by several major promotion companies in Japan. Some of the most well-known companies include: New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW): NJPW is one of the oldest and most prestigious puroresu promotions. It has a rich history dating back to the 1970s and has produced many legendary wrestlers. All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW): AJPW was founded in 1972 and has been a major player in puroresu ever since. It is known for its strong emphasis on technical wrestling. Pro Wrestling NOAH: NOAH was established in 2000 by former AJPW star Mitsuharu Misawa. It focuses on a more traditional puroresu style with an emphasis on hard-hitting action. The Global Impact of Puroresu Puroresu’s popularity extends beyond Japan, with fans all around the world appreciating its unique style and storytelling. Many puroresu stars have gained international recognition, competing in major wrestling promotions worldwide. One notable example is Shinsuke Nakamura, who rose to prominence in NJPW before joining WWE. Nakamura’s charismatic personality, technical prowess, and hard-hitting style quickly made him a fan favorite across the globe. In Conclusion Puroresu, or Japanese wrestling, offers a fascinating blend of intense action, technical skill, and captivating storytelling. Its commitment to realism and strong style sets it apart from other wrestling styles, creating a truly unique and engaging experience for both the wrestlers and the audience. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the world of puroresu, its rich history and exciting matches make it well worth exploring.
