 | WALLID ISMAIL AT INOKI DOJO 12/17/02 |
 | When did you start Jiu-Jitsu?
I started in Amazon in 1980, then moved to Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, around '84 to '85. Trained with Carlson Gracie all my life. I'm a Black Belt, eight-time world Brazilian Champion, and I've won so many tournaments that later on became big tournaments and evolved into becoming the Brazilian Championship. These tournaments are like winning the world championship of the Jiu-Jitsu World. And of course everybody knows that I beat four Gracies.
Were the fights against Gracies all official fights or were they....?
Three in a tournament and one street fight {grinning}. First one Ralph Gracie, second Renzo Gracie, third Royce Gracie and forth Ryan Gracie. These were extremely big events in Brazil, everybody knew about it. I was all over the newspapers and magazines to be the guy who beat four Gracies.
Tell us about Carlson Gracie?
Carlson is like my father. I started young with Carlson and trained with him all my life. Carlson is now in Chicago but he really respects Mr. Inoki. Carlson used to say that Mr. Inoki is one of the best fighters he'd seen. He told me, "you are in good hands." He came here at the dojo and will come more; he wants to be part of this dojo. His team is a part of Mr. Inoki's team.
He has visited the dojo once with his son.
Yes, when he was here Carlson said he would help Mr. Inoki whenever he needed something. This made me feel good because this meant all my friends and all my coaches liked Mr. Inoki.
You are definitely big in Brazil and Japan, and you've fought in the USA. After fighting in various groups, what do you think about New Japan wrestling styles and about Mr. Inoki?
Mr. Inoki is my big idol. I've got great respect towards him because he is a great fighter. Also he's a very nice intelligent man, and that's important. He understands and helps out many fighters all around the world. Pro-wrestling is a big sport, people have a very wrong idea about pro-wrestlers... The major difference is that the American pro-wrestling is acting, but Japanese pro-wrestling which Mr. Inoki created is about real fight and showing it to the wide audience. New Japan guys really train a lot and use real moves that are really deadly. I want the Japanese pro-wrestling to come here to the states and show the American audience what real pro-wrestling is all about. Mr. Inoki's pro-wrestling style is shoot; it's not an acting business.
How did you find out about this INOKI DOJO.
I met Mr. Inoki three years ago, he didn't have this dojo yet. And last year when I met him on the airplane I directly asked him, "Hey, Mr. Inoki, I want to represent you!!!" Mr. Inoki told me "you're welcome to go to the dojo any time," and gave me the number. I spoke to the representative at the dojo and started to train with Mr. Inoki. It was a great coincidence on the airplane, and the great relationship started.
I understand that you respect and listen to Mr. Inoki, what kind of advice does he give you?
People don't understand this but he has a big vision for life. He's not just a fighter, but creates things outside of the ring. Never forgets to respect people and treats everybody well. I always tell him I want to fight, I'm a fighter but he tells me to relax, relax and save it for the time when I am facing my opponent inside the ring. Small things like these really do help me control my emotions. you actually have to meet Mr. Inoki to understand what I'm trying to explain.
Continued to the next page -->
Other Interviews |
|
|
