Judo Standout Mototeru Hanawa Transitions to Pro Wrestling with All Japan

Mototeru Hanawa (Hanawa’s eldest son) signs a trainee contract with All Japan Pro Wrestling (Photo by Yusuke Nishikawa)

All Japan Pro-Wrestling announced on March 10th that Mototeru Hanawa, 25, the eldest son of comedian Hanawa and a former member of the Kokushikan University Judo Club, will join the organization as a trainee. He will begin training on April 1st, with the goal of making his professional wrestling debut later this year.

From Judo Mat to Wrestling Ring

Hanawa, who transitioned from a coaching role at Kokushikan University after retiring in May of last year, accepted All Japan’s invitation to pursue a career in professional wrestling. President Tsuyoshi Fukuda explained the decision, stating, I asked him to work with me so that he could make use of his blessed physique, talent, and experience.

The 1.80-meter, 110 kg athlete has a strong background in judo, gaining recognition in 2015 during an interview on Nippon Television’s Ariyoshi Seminar as one of three judo-practicing brothers. He achieved a 3rd-place ranking nationally in the 90kg weight class during his junior high school years and placed in the top 16 overall at Saga Tech in the 100kg weight class. At Kokushikan University, he trained alongside Tachi Saito, who represented Japan at the Paris Olympics.

Family Support and Future Aspirations

Hanawa’s father offered his full support, encouraging him to stay positive and do your best. He expressed his ambition to emulate Keiji Muto, whom his father previously tagged with in a match in 2008. He also mentioned being inspired by Wolf Aron, a 2021 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist who debuted with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and hopes to compete against him in the future.

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Hanawa stated, I want to be like Keiji Muto. and I want to work with Mr. Wolf on a big stage.

Background and Personal Details

  • Born: December 26, 2000
  • Age: 25
  • Hometown: Saga City
  • Education: Saga Tech, Kokushikan University
  • Previous Role: Lecturer at Toa University, Yamaguchi Prefecture
  • Family: Son of comedian Hanawa, nephew of Nobuyuki Hanawa (Knights comedy duo). Married with a son born in 2024.
  • Height: 1.80 meters
  • Weight: 110 kg

All Japan Pro-Wrestling’s chairman and triple heavyweight champion, Kento Miyahara, emphasized that Hanawa will begin his training from the ground up, participating in all aspects of camp life.

FAQ

What is Mototeru Hanawa’s background?

Mototeru Hanawa is a 25-year-old former judoka and the eldest son of comedian Hanawa. He attended Kokushikan University and previously worked as a judo instructor.

When will Mototeru Hanawa begin training?

He will begin training with All Japan Pro-Wrestling on April 1st.

What are Mototeru Hanawa’s goals?

His goal is to become a professional wrestler and eventually debut with All Japan Pro-Wrestling later this year.