www.SCIENTIFICWRESTLING.com UNBELIEVABLE!

THE WORLD MARTIAL ARTS CHAMPIONSHIP was another historical milestone for the UWFi. Nobuhiko Takada against Koji Kitao had even more anticipation and excitement behind it than the Takada vs Berbick match. And this one delivered!

The Kazuo Yamazaki vs Kiyoshi Tamura match was a tremendous warm-up for the main event. Anyone aspiring to reach wrestling/Catch/MMA top levels should study this bout. Two all-around top-level pros in one of the best scientific wrestling bouts you'll ever see. Every time I see it I learn something new about submission.

Koji Kitao was one of the first Sumo Grand Champions to leave sumo and go into other fighting sports. This in itself caused great publicity in Japan as Sumo Grand Champions normally retire and stay in the sumo world in one role or another. Kitao attained a rank of 3rd degree black belt in Kokusai Kukendo Karate. At his size, weight and strength he was a truly formidable opponent for anyone. And he carried the aura of a Sumo Grand Champion being a super-human, invincible fighter. The match and result made headlines in the news, fight and sports world in Japan.

Kitao originally agreed to a one time only match with UWFi against Yamazaki. After that Kitao would not budge and it looked as though he'd never appear again in one of our rings. After several approaches, Kitao finally agreed to a match with Takada, but on his terms (rounds instead of a 60 min time limit/no time limit match). Unlike Takada who seemed to be able to go on forever, fans and critics suspected Kitao's stamina and endurance. People were extremely disappointed when the rounds bout was announced as they felt that Takada would not be able to wear Kitao down and everyone anticipated the match ending in a draw as they saw the rounds protecting Kitao.

UWFi fans were surprised when Takada completely dominated the match on every level. Kitao stood and took kick after kick like a tree getting chopped down. The few times they went to the ground, Takada rode him like an amateur. Then came the big kick upstairs and the tree fell like a ton of dead weight.

I'll always remember the excitement and spirit in the dressing room after this match. I shook hands with the late, great Lou Thesz who looked me in the eye and said, "Ted... Unbelievable!"

The best is yet to come...