Iconic Japanese Wrestling Moves: A Complete Guide

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Hey wrestling fans! Are you fascinated by the incredible athleticism and artistry of Japanese wrestling? Do you want to learn about the signature moves that have made legends in the world of puroresu? Well, you've come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the most iconic Japanese wrestling moves, exploring their origins, techniques, and the wrestlers who made them famous. Get ready to expand your wrestling knowledge and appreciate the rich history of this exciting art form.

What is Puroresu?

Before we jump into the moves themselves, let's take a quick detour to understand the context of Japanese wrestling, or puroresu. Puroresu is more than just a sport; it's a unique blend of athleticism, storytelling, and theatricality. Originating in the post-World War II era, puroresu draws inspiration from various wrestling styles, including American professional wrestling, catch wrestling, and martial arts. What sets it apart is its emphasis on realism, intensity, and a strong code of honor among wrestlers.

Key characteristics of puroresu include:

  • Strong Style: A hard-hitting, realistic approach to wrestling that emphasizes strikes, submissions, and a high level of physicality. This style, popularized by legends like Antonio Inoki, aims to create a believable and intense atmosphere in the ring.
  • Respect and Honor: Puroresu wrestlers are known for their respect for their opponents and the sport itself. Matches often feature dramatic displays of fighting spirit, with wrestlers pushing their limits and enduring incredible amounts of punishment.
  • Storytelling: Like American wrestling, puroresu tells stories through its matches. However, the storytelling often focuses on the clash of styles, the rivalry between wrestlers, and the pursuit of championship glory. Matches can be epic, dramatic, and emotionally charged.
  • Move Innovation: Japanese wrestlers are renowned for their innovation and creativity in the ring. They've developed countless signature moves that have become staples of professional wrestling worldwide. This constant evolution keeps the sport fresh and exciting.

Now that we have a grasp of puroresu, let's get into the heart of the matter: the moves!

Signature Japanese Wrestling Moves

Puroresu has gifted the wrestling world with a plethora of innovative and devastating moves. Here, we'll explore some of the most iconic, categorized for clarity.

Suplex Variations

The suplex, a wrestling staple, has been elevated to an art form in Japan. Japanese wrestlers have innovated numerous variations, each with its own unique flair and impact.

  • German Suplex: Arguably the most famous suplex variation in puroresu, the German suplex involves a wrestler bridging backwards while holding their opponent in a waist lock, driving them onto their shoulders and neck. The move is known for its brutal impact and is a signature of many top stars. Wrestlers like Karl Gotch and Akira Maeda are credited with popularizing the move in Japan, and it has since become a global phenomenon. The German Suplex is a powerful move that can quickly end a match. It requires immense strength and control, and its execution is a testament to the wrestler's skill.
  • Bridging German Suplex: This variation adds an extra element of danger and athleticism. The wrestler not only executes the German suplex but also maintains a bridge, further increasing the pressure on the opponent's neck and shoulders. This move is a true show of strength and flexibility, and it's often used as a finisher. The Bridging German Suplex is a high-risk, high-reward move that can leave both wrestlers exhausted.
  • Northern Lights Suplex: A slightly less impactful but equally impressive variation, the Northern Lights suplex involves a waist lock and a twisting bridge, sending the opponent crashing down. This move is known for its fluidity and grace, and it's a favorite of wrestlers who blend technical skill with high-flying ability. The Northern Lights Suplex is a visually stunning move that showcases the wrestler's athleticism and coordination.
  • Exploder Suplex: This is a devastating variation where the wrestler throws their opponent forward with great force from a waistlock, causing them to land squarely on their upper back and shoulders. The Exploder Suplex looks incredibly impactful and is a move often used to set up a finishing sequence.

Stiff Strikes

Stiff strikes, or strikes delivered with full force, are a hallmark of puroresu's strong style. These strikes are designed to look and feel realistic, adding to the intensity of the match.

  • Slap: While a simple strike, the slap in puroresu is often delivered with a resounding crack that echoes through the arena. Wrestlers use slaps to show disrespect, to ignite a fire in their opponent, or to simply inflict pain. The intensity of a puroresu slap is unlike anything seen in other wrestling styles. A well-placed slap can be a turning point in a match, shifting the momentum and driving the action forward.
  • Forearm Smash: The forearm smash is a powerful strike that involves a wrestler delivering a blow to their opponent's head or chest with their forearm. In puroresu, these strikes are delivered with maximum force, often leaving a lasting impression. Wrestlers like Kenta Kobashi and Hiroshi Tanahashi have built their careers on the effectiveness of their forearm smashes. The Forearm Smash is a brutal move that can leave an opponent reeling.
  • Elbow Strikes: Similar to forearm smashes, elbow strikes in puroresu are delivered with pinpoint accuracy and devastating force. Wrestlers use various elbow strikes, including the rolling elbow and the short-range elbow, to inflict damage and control the flow of the match. Elbow Strikes are versatile weapons in a wrestler's arsenal.
  • Kicks: From blistering roundhouse kicks to precise Muay Thai-style kicks, puroresu wrestlers utilize a wide array of kicks to wear down their opponents. These kicks are often delivered with full force, showcasing the wrestlers' martial arts backgrounds. The variety of kicks seen in puroresu is impressive, reflecting the diverse influences on the style.

Submission Holds

Submission holds are a crucial part of puroresu, reflecting the influence of catch wrestling and other grappling arts. These holds are designed to wear down opponents and force them to submit.

  • Crossface Chickenwing: Made famous by Masa Chono, this submission hold involves trapping the opponent's arm behind their head and applying pressure to their neck and shoulder. The Crossface Chickenwing is a painful and effective hold that can quickly end a match. The Crossface Chickenwing is a classic submission hold that has stood the test of time.
  • Ankle Lock: This submission targets the opponent's ankle joint, putting immense pressure on the ligaments and tendons. The ankle lock is a versatile hold that can be applied from various positions, making it a favorite of technical wrestlers. The Ankle Lock is a move that requires precision and control, and it can be incredibly painful if applied correctly.
  • Figure Four Leglock: A classic wrestling hold, the Figure Four Leglock involves trapping the opponent's legs in a figure-four shape, applying pressure to the knee joint. This hold is a staple of many wrestlers' arsenals, and it's particularly effective in puroresu due to the emphasis on ring psychology and storytelling. The Figure Four Leglock is a crowd-pleasing move that can generate a lot of drama and excitement.
  • Kimura Lock: This shoulder lock, borrowed from Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is a brutal submission that hyperextends the opponent's shoulder joint. The Kimura Lock is a highly effective hold that can force a quick tapout. The Kimura Lock is a painful and dangerous submission that should be applied with caution.

High-Flying Moves

While puroresu is known for its strong style, it also features its fair share of high-flying moves. These moves add an element of excitement and spectacle to the matches.

  • Moonsault: The moonsault is a breathtaking move that involves a wrestler flipping backwards off the top rope and landing on their opponent. This move is a staple of high-flying wrestlers and is always a crowd-pleaser. The Moonsault is a visually stunning move that requires immense athleticism and coordination.
  • Shooting Star Press: This incredibly athletic move involves a wrestler flipping forward off the top rope in a somersault and landing on their opponent. The Shooting Star Press is one of the most spectacular moves in professional wrestling. Wrestlers like Hayabusa and Will Ospreay have used this move to great effect. The Shooting Star Press is a high-risk, high-reward move that can leave the audience in awe.
  • 450 Splash: This move involves a wrestler performing a 450-degree rotation off the top rope and landing on their opponent. The 450 Splash is a complex and visually impressive move that requires a high degree of athleticism. The 450 Splash is a modern classic in the world of high-flying wrestling.

Other Iconic Moves

Beyond the categories above, there are several other iconic Japanese wrestling moves that deserve special mention.

  • GTS (Go To Sleep): Popularized by Kenta (now Hideo Itami in WWE), the GTS involves lifting an opponent onto your shoulders in a fireman's carry and then dropping them face-first into your knee. The GTS is a devastating finisher that has become a signature of many top stars. The GTS is a visually impactful move that looks incredibly painful.
  • Styles Clash: Made famous by AJ Styles, the Styles Clash involves hooking the opponent's arms and flipping them forward, driving them headfirst into the mat. This move is known for its high risk and potential for injury, but it's also a highly effective finisher. The Styles Clash is a controversial move due to its potential danger, but it's also a very effective finisher.
  • Rainmaker: This is Kazuchika Okada's signature move. It's a short-arm lariat delivered with incredible force, often used as a match-ending maneuver. The Rainmaker is a simple yet devastating move that has become synonymous with Okada's success.

The Legacy of Japanese Wrestling Moves

The moves we've discussed today are just a small sampling of the vast repertoire of techniques developed in Japanese wrestling. These moves have not only captivated fans in Japan but have also influenced wrestlers and promotions around the world. The legacy of Japanese wrestling moves can be seen in the styles of countless wrestlers, the match layouts of various promotions, and the overall evolution of professional wrestling as a global phenomenon.

Conclusion

Puroresu is a fascinating and influential form of professional wrestling, and its unique moveset is a testament to the creativity and athleticism of Japanese wrestlers. From devastating suplexes to stiff strikes and high-flying maneuvers, the signature moves of puroresu have shaped the landscape of professional wrestling worldwide. So, the next time you watch a wrestling match, keep an eye out for these iconic moves and appreciate the rich history and artistry of Japanese wrestling. Keep training hard, and never stop learning