JRE #316 – Enson Inoue, Chuck Liddell

1/22/2013

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This episode features two MMA legends, Enson Inoue and Chuck Liddell, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of fighting, both inside and outside the ring. Provocative topics include Enson’s experiences in Japan, the evolution of MMA, refereeing and judging controversies, and Enson’s unique approach to fighting. Underlying themes explore the power of cultural differences, the importance of mental fortitude, and the ethics of the sport.

Enson Inoue’s Life in Japan:

• Enson’s Journey to Japan: Enson’s move to Japan was driven by his desire to hone his martial arts skills, stemming from his experiences with street fights in Hawaii.
• The Cultural Contrast: Enson highlights the stark cultural differences between Japan and the United States, particularly in terms of discipline and work ethic.
• Enson’s Work in Fukushima: Enson details his extensive efforts in aiding the victims of the 2011 Fukushima earthquake and tsunami, emphasizing the resilience and community spirit of the Japanese people.
• Enson’s Arrest and Subsequent Deportation: Enson shares his story of being arrested for marijuana possession in Japan, facing potential imprisonment, and eventually being deported despite strong public support.

The Evolution of MMA:

• Early Days of MMA: Enson and Chuck recount the early days of MMA, highlighting the raw and often brutal nature of the sport, with limited rules and significant risk.
• The Impact of Wrestlers: Enson describes the dominance of wrestlers in early MMA, and how he and other fighters had to adapt to counter their grappling techniques.
• The Growth of the Sport: They discuss the incredible growth of MMA from its obscure beginnings to its mainstream popularity today, fueled by increased media exposure and a higher level of competition.
• The Impact of Sponsors and Money: Enson and Chuck acknowledge the influence of sponsors and money on the sport, arguing that the pressure to win has changed the fight mentality.

Refereeing and Judging Controversies:

• The Importance of Technique: Enson stresses the importance of technique in MMA, arguing that even subtle variations can make a big difference in a fight, something that judges often fail to recognize.
• Trigger-Happy Referees: Enson and Chuck criticize referees who are too quick to stop fights, arguing that high-level fighters deserve more time to demonstrate their resilience and ability to recover.
• Incompetent Judging: Both express frustration with the prevalence of incompetent judging, citing examples of nonsensical scoring that unfairly penalize hard-working fighters and undermine the integrity of the sport.
• The Impact of Judging on the Sport: They acknowledge the detrimental impact of poor judging on the sport, not only for fighters but also for the reputation of MMA as a whole.

Enson Inoue’s Fighting Philosophy:

• Yamato Damashi: Enson explains the meaning of “Yamato Damashi” (“Samurai Spirit”), a nickname he earned in Japan for his fierce and unwavering fighting style.
• Fighting for Growth: Enson describes his approach to fighting not as a mere competition, but as a spiritual journey of self-discovery and growth, pushing himself to his limits.
• Overcoming Fear: He details his struggles with fear and anxiety in the ring, and how he uses those challenges as opportunities for personal growth.
• The Importance of Willpower: Enson emphasizes the importance of willpower and mental fortitude in fighting, arguing that it’s not about being pain-free, but about pushing through pain and adversity.

The Yakuza and Japanese MMA:

• The Yakuza’s Presence: Enson reveals the pervasive influence of the Yakuza (Japanese organized crime) in Japanese society, including the MMA scene, and how it has impacted the sport.
• The Impact of the Yakuza on Pride FC: Enson describes how the Yakuza’s involvement in Pride FC led to the organization’s downfall, with corporate sponsors pulling out due to the controversy.
• The Rise of Gangster Events: Enson explains the emergence of gangster events in Japan, where Yakuza members fight in unregulated events, and how this has become a new trend in the sport.
• The UFC’s Return to Japan: Enson notes the UFC’s recent return to Japan and the positive reception it has received, suggesting that the sport is regaining momentum and popularity in the country.

The Future of Japanese MMA:

• The Transitionary Period: Enson acknowledges the current transitionary period in Japanese MMA, where the sport is trying to regain its footing after the Yakuza scandal.
• The UFC’s Role: He believes that the UFC’s presence in Japan will be crucial in revitalizing the sport, and is hopeful that the organization will launch an Ultimate Fighter series in the country.
• The Rise of New Talent: Enson highlights a few promising Japanese fighters like Ricky Fekuda and Hiroyuki Takaya, who could potentially lead the next generation of MMA stars.
• The Importance of Cultural Exchange: Enson emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange between American and Japanese MMA fighters, acknowledging the distinct approaches to the sport and the benefits of learning from each other.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “We got it too good. Everyone’s fucking soft over here. It’s it’s hard to find, like, super disciplined people over here.”
• “It’s kinda fucked up because the videos of the tsunami was, you know, we’ve all known about tsunamis you know, 100 of years. If not 1000 of years, people have been aware that that happens when the ocean goes out, that you gotta get the fuck out of there because something’s going on. But We’ve never really seen it on video. We’ve never captured it the way it was captured in in Fukushima.”
• “It’s it’s it’s a it’s a totally different world, man. It’s how long you’ve been over there in 22 years, Wow. And you but you were born and raised in America. Why? And why? Yeah. And what what what led you to go to Japan?”
• “I think it’s it’s it’s a it’s a totally different world, man. It’s how long you’ve been over there in 22 years, Wow. And you but you were born and raised in America. Why? And why? Yeah. And what what what led you to go to Japan?”
• “You know, I mean, we’re lucky as fighters to grow spiritual enrollment in our heart as far as facing that that fear every day. I mean, you you can get hit with the wrong punching. This guy can hurt you real bad.”

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