NZ Dojo 2022 September Intake – Part 2

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

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 …

NZ Dojo 2022 June Intake

Fale Dojo / NZ Dojo welcomed the second student intake of 2022 with training commencing in the second week of June. Led by Head Coach, Toks Fale aka ‘Rogue General’ Bad Luck Fale of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Fale is joined by his team of Tony Kozina – Pro-Wrestling Head Coach, and Tangi Ropati – Read More …

Lion’s Roar – Discipline, Heart, and Destination

Lion’s Roar, the New Japan Pro-Wrestling 12 part docuseries, shared an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at NJPW’s NZ Dojo. Led by Head Coach, Toks Fale, and his team of Tony Kozina, Mark Tui, and Tangi Ropati; Lion’s Roar followed the pride of 14 trainees as they were guided through a world-renowned three-month professional wrestling training course. Read More …

Lion’s Roar – Episode 10 recap

The day at the NZ Dojo house began with Dan Puru enjoying a morning boogie while his new roommate Mitch Schoemaker clapped along. However, the household was not aware of the bad luck that was headed their way. Wake-Up CallCoaches Toks Fale and Tony Kozina arrived at the Dojo house bringing with them an empty Read More …

Lion’s Roar – Episode 9 recap

Week 9 – The Lock DownA mandatory isolation bubble for everyone in New Zealand was put in place. Members of the NZ Dojo young lions programme could choose to live in only one bubble. Richard Mulu revealed that half of the trainees were living at the NZ Dojo house in Mangere East, while the other Read More …

Lion’s Roar – Episode 8 recap

Footage from last week’s Exhibition event showed family and friends of Daniel Puru at ringside, watching him compete. Puru shared that his friends were oblivious of his ability to grapple, He jokingly responded that it was because they had never seen him in a fight before. The Soul TakerTangi Ropati, the Strength & Conditioning Coach Read More …

Lion’s Roar – Episode 7 recap

The Exhibition – The Night BeforeThe trainees were at the NZ Dojo setting up the facility in preparation for the Exhibition show. Andrew Villalobos, the Senior Lion explained there were some major improvements amongst the trainees over the last couple of days after they overcame some setbacks. One of which was the letting go of Read More …

Lion’s Roar – Episode 6 recap

The ChefWhile training at the NZ Dojo, Warren Walters discovered the similarities between the Dojo’s training system and his background as a chef of 17 years. The hierarchy and the bonds that are formed are essential to the system in both disciplines.  Many years ago, Walters injured his shoulder in a car accident. Unfortunately for Read More …

Lion’s Roar – Episode 5 recap

Cigar and Whiskey After a month of intense training, Toks Fale is having a wind down at his waterfront apartment in Auckland city. Week 5 At the NZ Dojo facility, the trainees are in the middle of a very rigorous workout. Some members of the class appear hurt; however, the pain has not stopped them Read More …