Tony Kozina is a seasoned pro of the wrestling business with more than 20 year’s experience. Having wrestled extensively throughout North America, he has captured many championships on his travels, and some of these accolades include multiple titles with the National Wrestling Alliance. Kozina is also an experienced fighter who is well versed in kickboxing and Jiu-jitsu and has won championship medals at the 2011 NAGA tournaments in St. Louis and Chicago. During his lengthy career, Kozina had a hand in training some notable wrestlers, the most notable being the ‘Rogue General’ Back Luck Fale, whom Kozina trained during Fale’s foreign excursion in the United States. In June 2018, Kozina moved to Auckland, New Zealand where he took up the role of Pro Wrestling Head Coach at Fale Dojo. Kozina is responsible for introducing the young lions to the Dojo lifestyle as well as providing their initial training. This key role will provide a strong foundation for the lions and will set them on the path to one day pursue further training in the New Japan Pro Wrestling Dojo in Tokyo and hopefully fulfil their dream of competing on the NJPW roster.
After a career spanning two decades, Tony Kozina will reach a milestone when he makes his New Japan debut at the ‘Southern Showdown’ tour. Kozina shared about needing to withhold his optimism regarding his scheduled appearance due to having opportunities and then not coming to fruition.
“You know, it’s strange. I’ve had so many things supposed to happen through the years only to have them fall through,” Kozina reflected.
“So, my being excited about wrestling at ‘Southern Showdown’ will likely happen once I step on the plane bound for Australia.”
Nonetheless, Kozina has trained vigorously and is prepared for the chance to compete alongside the greatest Junior Heavyweights in the world.
“I’ve been training hard and dropped over 10 pounds as I work on becoming faster, and leaner,” he revealed. “There’s a strong crop of talent in the Junior Heavyweight division in NJPW, and I’m going to do everything I can to make this the beginning of something more.”
“I feel like I belong here, I belong wrestling at the highest level, and that is New Japan Pro Wrestling.”
Kozina regarded his upcoming New Japan appearance as a fresh start as he would be wrestling to an audience that he has never encountered previously.
“I’m looking forward to performing in front of a crowd who has never seen me before,” said Kozina.
“It’s like a brand new beginning! It’s reinvigorating! It motivates me because I’ve gotta prove myself again from ground zero!”
Tony Kozina is instrumental in the day to day training of most of the Fale Dojo graduates that will be competing at the ‘Southern Showdown’ tour. Kozina has also championed the Dojo’s worldwide reputation in providing the students with the best training as he illustrated in his closing comments.
“I’m thrilled that Fale Dojo will have such a presence at these shows,” expressed Kozina.
“It is deserved, and again, it’s just the very start of what we’re hoping to do going forward.”
“Be on the lookout to see our name pop up all across the world as we continue to build our reputation for excellence!”