Ite Lemalu Writings

NZ Dojo 2024 June Intake

By Ite Lemalu / 20/09/2024

Fale Dojo / NJPW NZ Dojo proudly welcomed the 2024 June Intake under the leadership of Toks Fale aka New...

NZ Dojo 2023 September Intake – Part Two

By Ite Lemalu / 15/12/2023

The newest additions to the Fale Dojo / NZ Dojo roll call include young lions that have travelled from Germany,...

NZ Dojo 2023 September Intake – Part One

By Ite Lemalu / 15/12/2023

The Fale Dojo / NZ Dojo 2023 September Intake commenced training on the first week of September. Led by Toks...

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...

NJPW NZ Dojo 2021 July Intake – Part 3

Posted on13/08/202117/01/2022AuthorIte Lemalu

As the Head Coach of Pro-Wrestling at Fale Dojo / NJPW NZ Dojo, Tony Kozina is responsible for shaping the minds and abilities of the young lions. His objective is to ensure that the lions are always on point with their training and are being pushed to do more with each session. Kozina’s expectations go Read More …

NJPW NZ Dojo 2021 July Intake – Part 2

Posted on13/08/202115/09/2022AuthorIte Lemalu

The addition of Strength & Conditioning training at the beginning of 2020 has been a focal part of the Fale Dojo / NJPW NZ Dojo three-month professional wrestling training course. As the head of this discipline, Tangi Ropati oversees, with great attention, the physical and nutritional development of the young lions. “The young lions for Read More …

NJPW NZ Dojo 2021 July Intake – Part 1

Posted on09/08/202117/01/2022AuthorIte Lemalu

The NJPW New Zealand Dojo welcomed the second intake of 2021 which commenced on the first week of July. The three-month professional wrestling training course is designed and led by Toks Fale aka ‘Rogue General’ Bad Luck Fale, Dojo Co-Director, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling star. He is joined by his coaching staff of Mark Tui, Read More …

Fale Dojo Presents The Lion’s Roar Wrestling Exhibition, 14 August!

Posted on06/08/202123/10/2021AuthorIte Lemalu

Fale Dojo is proud to present the Lion’s Roar Wrestling Exhibition which will take place on the 14th of August at the Fale Dojo facility in Auckland, New Zealand. This showcase will feature the young lions of the New Japan Pro-Wrestling NZ Dojo in competition as they battle to see who will take their rightful Read More …

Stacey McInnes – From Lioness to Officer

Posted on28/07/202128/07/2021AuthorIte Lemalu

Stacey McInnes is a proud Fale Dojo graduate. The Kiwi-born McInnes gained her initial training in pro wrestling while living overseas before returning to NZ in 2019 to broaden her skills at the Dojo’s three-month professional wrestling training course. McInnes is also a second-generation wrestler, her grandfather Sam McInnes was a national amateur wrestling champion Read More …

The Return of the Tank – Frank Masoe Steps Back into the Ring

Posted on23/06/202122/09/2021AuthorIte Lemalu

Frank Masoe made his return to the ring, representing Fale Dojo in the main event of the Return of the King show. Held recently in Featherston, New Zealand, the event was named in anticipation of the return of Antz Nansen. Nansen, a former World Kickboxing Champion, and holder of multiple championships was making his comeback Read More …

Andrew Villalobos – Motivation Lights the Fire, Discipline Keeps It Alight

Posted on18/06/202103/02/2022AuthorIte Lemalu

Of all the intakes that have come through Fale Dojo / NJPW New Zealand Dojo, the June 2018 intake holds the distinction of the entire class being selected to advance to the New Japan Pro-Wrestling Dojo in Tokyo for further training. This group consisted of four members, two of which included the more recognised Michael Read More …

Heart, Body, Technique – The Transformation of Michael Richards

Posted on22/05/202103/02/2022AuthorIte Lemalu

Michael Richards is a senior member of the Fale Dojo / NJPW New Zealand Dojo young lions. As a graduate of the June 2018 intake, Richards earned the opportunity to gain further training at the New Japan Pro-Wrestling Dojo in Tokyo. Richards brought his skills back to Fale Dojo in 2019 to help develop the Read More …

Tangi Ropati – When You Invest In Yourself and Others

Posted on05/05/202103/02/2022AuthorIte Lemalu

When the Fale Dojo / NJPW New Zealand Dojo General Community Classes relaunched in February 2020, the plans were implemented by Tangi Ropati. Ropati joined the Dojo staff as Head Trainer of the Community Classes as well as becoming Strength & Conditioning Coach in the Dojo’s three-month professional wrestling training course. Steeped in a rich Read More …

Fale Dojo 2021 February Intake

Posted on12/04/202120/04/2021AuthorIte Lemalu

Fale Dojo / NJPW New Zealand Dojo welcomed the first intake for 2021. Having commenced on the 15th of February, the three-month professional wrestling training course is constructed and led by Toks ‘Bad Luck’ Fale, New Japan Pro-Wrestling star, co-owner and Head Trainer of Fale Dojo. He is joined by his coaching staff consisting of Read More …