“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 …

Fale Dojo interview with “Switchblade” Jay White

It wasn’t too long ago when “Switchblade” Jay White was regarded as a ‘foreigner’. In one context, White is a foreigner (gaijin) to the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) landscape, and in a different context a foreigner to the western mainstream. Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, a country that was once a thriving territory of the 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 …

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 …

Fale Dojo Exhibition #4 Recap

Fale Dojo Exhibition #4 took place on the 16th of November 2019. The event was complemented with the Dojo’s first Night Market that offered an assortment of food, as well as merchandise provided by Silver Lion Sports. The event began with Fale Dojo General Manager/Coach Mark Tui welcoming the audience and giving a brief background Read More …

Fale Dojo Exhibition #4 – Live Pro Wrestling, November 16

Fale Dojo, the home of New Zealand strong style is pleased to present the upcoming Fale Dojo Exhibition #4 event on November 16, at Fale Dojo, 66 Portage Road, Otahuhu, Auckland. Fale Dojo Exhibition #4 will showcase the brightest prospects in professional wrestling as they compete in strong style matches. Founded in 2016 by Head Read More …

Fale Dojo Exhibition #3 – the Home of NZ Strong Style! 26 October

Fale Dojo, the home of New Zealand Strong Style is pleased to present its next professional wrestling showcase titled, ‘Fale Dojo Exhibition #3’. This event will take place on October 26 at the Fale Dojo training facility and will feature some of the young lions as well as graduates that have returned from the New Read More …

When You Invest in Yourself and Others

“You think I’m not ready? Well, look right in front of you … I was ready a long time ago!” – ‘Switchblade’ Jay White, New Japan Pro Wrestling IWGP Heavyweight Champion. This photo which was shared by Toks Fale aka “The Rogue General” Bad Luck Fale marks the very first meeting between him and Jay White in Read More …