Ite Lemalu Writings -

Oskar’s Odyssey to New Japan Pro-Wrestling

By Ite Lemalu / 22/11/2023

Oskar Leube’s odyssey to New Japan Pro-Wrestling has been three years in the making. Beginning in 2019, Leube trained for...

The Fighting Spirit of Yuto Nakashima

By Ite Lemalu / 22/11/2023

The journey of Yuto Nakashima is one that is remarkably rare. Nakashima, a former professional Mix Martial Arts fighter in...

NZ Dojo 2023 June Intake – Part Three

By Ite Lemalu / 13/09/2023

Coach, foundation graduate, and Co-Director Mark Tui trained directly under Toks Fale. As Co-Directors, Tui and Fale set the vision...

NZ Dojo 2023 June Intake – Part Two

By Ite Lemalu / 13/09/2023

Pro-Wrestling Coach Tony Kozina oversees the day-to-day development of the young lions. With 27 years of experience, Kozina helped shape...

NZ Dojo 2023 June Intake – Part One

By Ite Lemalu / 13/09/2023

NZ Dojo / Fale Dojo welcomed the second intake of 2023 which began on the first week of June. This...

Fale Dojo 2023 February Intake – Part 2

By Ite Lemalu / 18/05/2023

In keeping with the theme of determination and unity, Fale Dojo / NZ Dojo Pro-Wrestling Coach, Tony Kozina weighed in...

Fale Dojo 2023 February Intake – Part 1

By Ite Lemalu / 16/05/2023

Determined and united to the end! An apt description of the young lions of the Fale Dojo / NZ Dojo...

Fale Dojo Exhibition 13 Recap

By Ite Lemalu / 29/03/2023

Fale Dojo presented the thirteenth Exhibition on the 17th of March. Held at the Dojo facility in Auckland, the event...

NZ Dojo 2022 September Intake – Part 2

By Ite Lemalu / 11/12/2022

As the Pro-Wrestling Coach at Fale Dojo / NZ Dojo, Tony Kozina oversees the day-to-day training of the young lions...

NZ Dojo 2022 September Intake – Part 1

By Ite Lemalu / 08/12/2022

Fale Dojo / NZ Dojo welcomed its final intake of 2022. Commencing on the first week of September, this class...

Oskar’s Odyssey to New Japan Pro-Wrestling

Posted on22/11/202322/11/2023AuthorIte Lemalu

Oskar Leube’s odyssey to New Japan Pro-Wrestling has been three years in the making. Beginning in 2019, Leube trained for an entire year, through three consecutive intakes at Fale Dojo / NZ Dojo before advancing to the NJPW Dojo in Tokyo where he gained a deeper understanding of his craft. Returning to his native Germany Read More …

The Fighting Spirit of Yuto Nakashima

Posted on22/11/202322/11/2023AuthorIte Lemalu3 Comments

The journey of Yuto Nakashima is one that is remarkably rare. Nakashima, a former professional Mix Martial Arts fighter in his native Japan, crossed over to professional wrestling with the particular goal of joining the ranks of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Nakashima took part in two try-outs to train at the New Japan Dojo in Tokyo, Read More …

NZ Dojo 2023 June Intake – Part Three

Posted on13/09/202318/09/2023AuthorIte Lemalu2 Comments

Coach, foundation graduate, and Co-Director Mark Tui trained directly under Toks Fale. As Co-Directors, Tui and Fale set the vision for the NZ Dojo / Fale Dojo. Tui has helped steer the Dojo through its initial challenges and has been a key member of the team that has overseen the Dojo’s expansion into a world-class Read More …

NZ Dojo 2023 June Intake – Part Two

Posted on13/09/202318/09/2023AuthorIte Lemalu2 Comments

Pro-Wrestling Coach Tony Kozina oversees the day-to-day development of the young lions. With 27 years of experience, Kozina helped shape the minds and abilities of the young lions, applying his vast knowledge to teaching the lion’s life skills that are necessary to understand the life of a traveling professional wrestler. The young lion’s of June Read More …

NZ Dojo 2023 June Intake – Part One

Posted on13/09/202318/09/2023AuthorIte Lemalu2 Comments

NZ Dojo / Fale Dojo welcomed the second intake of 2023 which began on the first week of June. This intake marked some key milestones as the Dojo’s 20th class since its inception in 2016. The 2023 June intake was the largest graduating class, standing at nineteen strong, as well as welcoming a new era Read More …

Fale Dojo 2023 February Intake – Part 2

Posted on18/05/202319/05/2023AuthorIte Lemalu1 Comment

In keeping with the theme of determination and unity, Fale Dojo / NZ Dojo Pro-Wrestling Coach, Tony Kozina weighed in on the success of the 2023 February intake. “We concluded the February 2023 intake on a very high note,” said Tony Kozina. “We are finally retaining promising young lions, which isn’t so simple when you Read More …

Fale Dojo 2023 February Intake – Part 1

Posted on16/05/202319/05/2023AuthorIte Lemalu1 Comment

Determined and united to the end! An apt description of the young lions of the Fale Dojo / NZ Dojo 2023 February intake who have now completed the renowned three-month training. Led by Toks Fale – Head Coach, along with Tony Kozina – Pro Wrestling Coach, and other members of the coaching staff, the surviving Read More …

Fale Dojo Exhibition 13 Recap

Posted on29/03/202329/03/2023AuthorIte Lemalu

Fale Dojo presented the thirteenth Exhibition on the 17th of March. Held at the Dojo facility in Auckland, the event showcased the young lions from the February 2023 intake. “This is our biggest intake ever,” said Tony Kozina, Fale Dojo / NZ Dojo Pro-Wrestling Coach, and event facilitator. “This time we have students coming from Read More …

NZ Dojo 2022 September Intake – Part 2

Posted on11/12/202211/12/2022AuthorIte Lemalu1 Comment

As the Pro-Wrestling Coach at Fale Dojo / NZ Dojo, Tony Kozina oversees the day-to-day training of the young lions and offers his thoughts on the latest intake. “Our September three-month intake has come to an end, and usual, it finishes with a full spectrum of emotion,” said Kozina. “Surprised, pleased, proud, and disappointed. I Read More …

NZ Dojo 2022 September Intake – Part 1

Posted on08/12/202207/01/2023AuthorIte Lemalu1 Comment

Fale Dojo / NZ Dojo welcomed its final intake of 2022. Commencing on the first week of September, this class is the one with the most participants to train at the Dojo. Led by Toks Fale, Head Coach, New Japan Pro-Wrestling star, and the principal force behind the New Japan Tamashii brand; Fale is joined Read More …