“Switchblade” Jay White and Toa Henare – Verbalising NZ Strong Style

On 10 March 2021, New Zealand’s rich and multi-layered cultural identity was showcased in the main event of a New Japan Pro-Wrestling show. NZ’s own international stars “Switchblade” Jay White and Toa Henare, headlined the first round of the 2021 New Japan Cup tournament that was streamed live across the world from Sandan-ike Park Gymnasium Read More …

NZ Strong Style – An Ally, Not A Colony, Part II

This article is a follow-up to a piece published in November 2018. Titled NZ Strong Style – An Ally, Not A Colony, it discussed how the New Zealand and Australian wrestling scenes would potentially flourish as allies of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, as opposed to the scenario of being colonies of World Wrestling Entertainment’s NXT development Read More …

Going Rogue – The Transformation of Bad Luck Fale

On 4 April 2010, Toks ‘Bad Luck’ Fale made his New Japan Pro-Wrestling debut. Previous to this, Fale underwent two years of intense and vigorous training at the world-renowned NJPW Dojo, during which time he immersed himself in the Japanese culture; becoming fluent in the language as well as the Japanese strong style of professional Read More …

Fale Dojo 2020 June Intake

Fale Dojo / NJPW New Zealand Dojo welcomed the second intake for 2020 which commenced on the first week of June. The three-month professional wrestling course is led by Toks ‘Bad Luck’ Fale, Head Trainer and founder of the Dojo; Mark Tui, General Manager / Coach and Dojo graduate; Tony Kozina, Head Trainer of the Read More …

Interview with Bad Luck Fale

This article discusses the baddest man in pro wrestling, Bad Luck Fale. Along with his fellow Tongans, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Hikuleo, this Polynesian branch of the Bullet Club are causing all sorts of havoc at the New Japan Pro Wrestling’s G1 Climax tournament series. Although Fale is currently a prominent topic of discussion in Read More …

New Zealand Strong Style, Japanese Strong Style – Leading With Empathy and Integrity

We are living in interesting times, the COVID-19 pandemic has shut down much of the world. In New Zealand, the government led by our Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, took the extra precaution of instituting a nationwide lockdown at the highest alert level – 4. This was done to slow down the threat of the coronavirus Read More …

Fale Dojo 2020 February Intake – Part Two

As the Head Coach of the Fale Dojo three-month professional wrestling course, Tony Kozina is responsible for providing the young lions with their initial training. The objective is to introduce the lions to the Dojo lifestyle and teach a solid foundation that will prepare them on a path to one day pursue further training at Read More …

Fale Dojo 2020 February Intake – Part One

The Fale Dojo’s first intake for 2020 began training on the second week of February. As always with every class, a large portion of the young lions converge on South Auckland, New Zealand from all over the world to receive training from Toks ‘Bad Luck’ Fale, founder and Head Trainer and his world-class coaching staff Read More …

NEW BEGINNINGS AS FALE DOJO WELCOMES NEW ERA BECOMING NJPW NEW ZEALAND DOJO, NJPW NZ TRYOUTS IN MAY, NEW TRAINERS, NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH COCA-COLA!

FALE DOJO BECOMES NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING NEW ZEALAND DOJO: Fale Dojo (Auckland, NZ) is now an official part of the New Japan Pro Wrestling training system. Going forward internationally, the Dojo will now be known as NJPW New Zealand Dojo, however, locally, we will maintain our Fale Dojo brand. “The Dojo will be called Read More …

Walter Yeates’ Exclusive Interview With Ite Lemalu Of The Fale Dojo

Recently, I was interviewed by journalist Walter Yeates in an exclusive where I spoke about my role with Fale Dojo, the Dojo’s mission locally and globally, and partnership with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Here is the transcript to the article. ============================================= The following is an exclusive interview with Ite Lemalu, Media Relations Manager of the Read More …