NJPW Star Using ‘Tough Love & Very Strict Training’ At LA Dojo

Every trainer has their own methods to pull out the best results from their students. Some tactics work better than others, but New Japan Pro Wrestling has a very stern coach in Katsuyori Shibata.

The 41-year-old Katsuyori Shibata is not wrestling anymore. In 2017, Shibata suffered a subdural hematoma. That was a very scary situation and it ended his in-ring career. He is now training students at NJPW’s LA Dojo.

Danny Limelight told Fightful Select that Katsuyori Shibata’s teachings are full of “tough love and very stern training.” Shibata is regarded as “a perfectionist” and he isn’t afraid to get in the ring and show someone how a hold is supposed to be applied.

Katsuyori Shibata is not getting physical in the ring, but “he won’t hesitate to get in the ring and show the trainees holds and guide them through things if he needs to.”

NJPW is training their students to become future stars for the company. They have some veteran knowledge around to help guide those students in the art of strong style. Hopefully, having Shibata around will also help those students avoid the same type of injury that prematurely ended his career.