Kendo Nagasaki is an icon of British culture - as an athlete, he is an unbeaten international star of British professional wrestling, and behind his legendary mask he is an accomplished healer and mystic. May 15, 2019. In March 2001 he again partnered Vic Powers in a charity tag ladder match against James Mason and Walsh. Here is the article on kendo Nagasaki Written for The Times March 01, 2003 Masked warrior happy to remain incognito By Rick Broadbent THE taxi driver who brings Kendo Nagasaki to the office block opposite Harrods is brimming with frustration. The anonymous man was a silent Japanese warrior, a physical powerhouse, and a fighter whom no-one could defeat. Up until that point, I (like most people) wanted the good guys to win. | Sport | The Observer", "Neighbour accuses TV wrestler of land grab", "Kendo Nagasaki Sword of Excellence Tournament « Tournaments Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database", "Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship", "Kendo Nagasaki - The Man Behind The Mask", "Mother of murdered soldier Lee Rigby speaks of support from wrestling legend Kendo Nagasaki", "Lee Rigby's mum 'forced out' of charity house by wrestling legend", "Lee Rigby's mum 'to set up new retreat' for families", https://web.archive.org/web/20051216050109/http://www.kendonagasaki.com/newmillenium.html, Wrestling Heritage with many related articles and reviews, The Immortal Legends of British Professional Wrestling from the BBC, Stampede Wrestling North American Heavyweight Champions, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Peter_Thornley&oldid=1022851302, Articles with dead external links from January 2020, BLP articles lacking sources from December 2011, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Schoolboy Boxing Champion of Ludford Street School 1955/56, Olympic Style Weightlifting; which was Clean and Press, Snatch and Clean and Jerk Heavyweight champion 1961 and 1962, British Judo Council Northwest area heavyweight champion and National Champion 1961/62 and finalist Northwest area 1962/63, LDN Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Blondie Barratt, WWA World Heavyweight Championship (UK version) (1 time), This page was last edited on 12 May 2021, at 21:19. The Genesis of Kendo Nagasaki. [15][16], The artist Peter Blake was once asked by a magazine what he would have liked to have been had he not been an artist, and he answered a wrestler, and more specifically Kendo Nagasaki. RON … He then began feuding with Yorghos. In December 1971, he appeared for the first time with manager "Gorgeous" George Gillette at Dumfries. Thornley/Yogensha, At the height of his career, Thornley discussed the relationship with his character in an interview for TVTimes in 1976 in which he claimed that the Nagasaki character was "the spirit of a samurai warrior who, 300 years ago, lived in the place that is now called Nagasaki" which he had contacted while in "a trance state" during meditation. or. [2] He then went on to tour Canada and the United States during 1972 working for wrestling legend Stu Hart. Is there another important side to both you and your life that is very different (when unmasked) that people may be aware of, without realising it is in fact the man behind Kendo Nagasaki himself? Reply. The masked icon of the 1970s and 80s drew … All trademarks are property of their respective owners in the US and other countries. [2][7], Bartelli had been Nagasaki's mentor and tag team partner until they had a storyline falling out over Nagasaki's rough tactics in the ring. Johnny Kidd. He has received strict instructions not to look at the man in the back seat and definitely not to speak to him. British Wrestling - The unmasking of Kendo Nagasaki - YouTube [2] He also formed a tag team with Rollerball Rocco but this fell apart after a televised match in early 1988 resulting in a lengthy and violent feud between the two which would rage on at live shows during the first few years after the end of British Wrestling on TV. Mar 04, 2020. like Saxonwolf I always wanted Kendo and Adrian Street to win too, there was always a few at Newcastle City hall who rooted for them. Kendo Nagasaki, Actor: Send in the Girls. “I defeated him – he came out of the fight unmasked. In December 2012, Kendo Nagasaki appeared in the BBC documentary "Timeshift — When Wrestling Was Golden: Grapples, Grunts and Grannies". [1], Until the publication of his autobiography in 2018, Thornley and his close associates frowned on the use of his legal name, preferring that his out-of-character self be referred to as "Yogensha" (Japanese for seer). At his private estate, Moor Court Hall, near Cheadle, Staffordshire he established Lee Rigby House as a retreat for families coping with bereavement. The 'Upgraded' Black version with wider MASK BARS. A simple yes or no is all I ask here – unless you are willing to disclose more for a discerning Chap readership. Kendo wrestled unmasked for a few years before replacing it without explanation). “It’s good we get to know about him now and everything he’s doing for the charity. 0. On the 31 st July 1971 in a bout aired from Catterick the public were to get their first glimpse of Kendo unmasked when, in a contest against Bristols Billy Howes, the mask was removed, millions of television viewers saw, albeit briefly, Kendo without his mask before he fled to the dressing room but if anything this just made Kendo even more famous and his presence was required not only … Many fans found not merely distasteful but rather silly the rubbishing of the carefully sculpted persona that was the rapid external development in Gillette's effeminate dress and the pair's open in-ring cuddling. PURPLE MASK OF KENDO NAGASAKI! Forgot account? He’s the one I grew up with, along with Steven Regal. Let us know - Tweet us @SOTLive or message us on our Facebook page. Kendo Nagasaki went on to tour Canada and North America during 1972 working for wrestling legend Stu Hart. According to his official website, the Nagasaki character is "in fact, a spirit guide and sensei ... who appears by being channeled through an otherwise ordinary man"[9] i.e. Working exclusively for LDN Wrestling he feuded with Robbie Brookside over The Sword of Excellence. See photos, profile pictures and albums from Kendo Nagasaki. I’d love to meet him.”. During his final ITV appearance, Nagasaki and Barrett defeated the 'Golden Boys' tag team of Robbie Brookside and Steve Regal when the masked man hypnotised (kayfabe) Brookside to attack Regal. What really happened. Thornley wore a mask for most of his career, the one significant exception being several months following a December 1977 televised voluntary unmasking ceremony. Amazing moment. His name was Kendo Nagasaki. Nagasaki was famously unmasked by Big Daddy in 1975 — and then “officially” in 1977. [2][7] In April the following year (1978), he appeared as an unmasked wrestler for the first time; in a contest at Croydon against Bronco Wells. He returned in May 2000 to accept the Wrestler of the Millennium trophy in a ceremony at Hanley's Victoria Hall. In June 2007, he signed a deal with London-based LDN wrestling. Then in October he was scheduled to wrestle Yorghos in a singles match in Wolverhampton, but refused to face him again, instead teaming with Blondie Barratt to defeat Hakan and Travis to win the LDN Tag Team Championship. Want to tell us about something going on where you live? In his autobiography he says he is now in a new relationship with a man. adrianpollard.shangri-la. In November 1964 Thornley had his first professional contest against "Jumping" Jim Hussey at Willenhall Baths. The event took place at the King's Hall in Stoke, Want Stoke-on-Trent news emailed to you direct from our journalists? Has Kendo been beaten, unmasked, roughed up, did he take Canada by storm. I have some excellent memories. This began a "Millennium Comeback" campaign for Nagasaki as a month later he returned to the venue teamed with Vic Powers to face Darren Walsh and Marty Jones who had objected (kayfabe) to Nagasaki winning the award. Just as Kendo observes when guests at the Nagasaki Retreat reach the ‘Pathway Bench’, every single pebble in the path which has been traversed on the way there represents a challenge having been successfully overcome. Public Figure. Search. [5], In November 1964 Thornley had his first professional contest against "Jumping" Jim Hussey at Willenhall Baths. NOW HE'S UNMASKED, PETER THORNLEY IS AVAILABLE FOR EITHER AFTER DINNER SPEAKING OR SPECIAL APPEARANCES.....The book is incredibly comprehensive and... Jump to. Over here in the U.K. [2] Over the next eighteen months he would appear on various All Star shows, sometimes teamed with Drew McDonald. Howes spent a great deal of effort in pounding Nagasaki's head and dragging his tight-fitting mask up, almost covering Nagasaki's eyes, and tried to untie the straps holding it on, before under his relentless efforts it came loose. [2] He was one of the biggest draws of all time in British Wrestling, especially in the mid-1970s and the turn of the 1980s/1990s.[7]. Peter, who grew up in Crewe, now lives at Moorcroft Hall in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Howes showed little sign of actually wrestling in the end stages, and was solely intent on removing the mask, which he finally did and Nagasaki quickly left the ring covering his face.[7]. [11] During July 1971, in what was said to be a sensational TV contest with Billy Howes, his mask came off in the heat of the battle. Reply. I'm guessing this was taken when Kendo was wrestling unmasked and it wasn't going too well? Gorgeous George did all the talking, taunting hostile audiences with Polari-infused camp banter, dressed in colourful one-piece jumpsuits and an Afro wig. [22] His identity had previously been publicly revealed during a 2002 court case over a land dispute with his neighbour.[8]. In 1993, Nagasaki and Ryan fell out (kayfabe) and were set to feud with Nagasaki now managed by his personal assistant Lawrence Stevens and Ryan recruiting King Kendo for a fresh battle of the Kendos. Create New Account. In December 1986, Thornley made his masked return to the ring at the London Hippodrome in a ladder match with Clive Myers,[2] and by September 1987 he went on to become the WWA World Heavyweight Champion after defeating Wayne Bridges. The un-defeated fighter re … The character's voice was never heard in public. or. The character of Nagasaki was a Japanese samurai with a mysterious past and reputed powers of healing[5][6] and hypnosis. [2] Nagasaki was renowned for his strength; in one televised match he lifted the 26 stone 9 pounds (169 kg) "The Battling Guardsman" Shirley Crabtree later known as 'Big Daddy', up on to his shoulders, then calmly walked to a corner carrying him and finished the bout with his famous Kamikaze Crash, walking out the ring as Crabtree was being counted out. Log In. PURPLE MASK OF KENDO NAGASAKI! He married, and his wife Yvette died in 1990. See more of Kendo Nagasaki on Facebook. Elaine Thomas. British Wrestling 1970-1990. Sign Up. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword. Families battle to keep out rats in Stoke-on-Trent street plagued by fly-tippers, Stoke-on-Trent City Council is carrying out a week of action in the Portland Street area of Hanley, One of Stoke-on-Trent's best-known hotels bought by new owners, The Sneyd Arms, in Tunstall, is currently closed, Coal network ruled out as stench source at 'smelly' North Staffordshire landfill, The quarry operator previously claimed the smell could be coming from another source, Stoke-on-Trent nursery goes pink to raise money for mum-of-four battling breast cancer, Nicole Thorley was diagnosed with the disease in August last year. He said: “I enjoy coming to Stoke-on-Trent because the people really engage with the wrestling. It’s good to see him back again.”. Kendo Nagasaki at his manor house with Lyn Rigby, mother of murdered Lee (Image: ... when he was unmasked in the ring by George Gillett in 1977 … He represented a team in a match against a team represented by his former manager Lloyd Ryan who had again (kayfabe) fallen out with his charge, this time over Ryan's son, young wrestler Damian Ryan. Since then, he was said to be looking for a young wrestler to pass his "powers" on to. See more of Kendo Nagasaki on Facebook. Presented here is the complete story of the master himself, Kendo Nagasaki, and the man behind the mask - his first spiritual awareness as a child, his finding judo, his training under sensei Kenshiro Abbe, and his explosive emergence upon … Facebook. Not Now. Kendo Nagasaki as he was unmasked by Lyn Rigby. Thornley's autobiography Kendo Nagasaki and the Man Behind the Mask was published in 2018, in which he discussed for the first time publicly about being the person behind the Kendo Nagasaki persona. [2] The unmasking occurred two years before he had an official ceremonial unmasking ceremony at the Civic Hall, Wolverhampton in what was one of the most anticipated and most viewed moments in ITV's World of Sport. Sports League. [2] This run ended in December 2001 with a formal retirement match, a Four Corners bout, again at the Victoria Hall, in which he faced and defeated Mason, Doug Williams and Dean Allmark. He’s one of a kind. [6], Away from the ring, Thornley has been a successful business entrepreneur and also had a career in rock management for around a decade from the late 1970s to the late 1980s, managing Cuddly Toys and Laura Pallas. [1][24] However, Thornley later faced legal issues with the estate (relating to the above-mentioned land dispute) which threatened its forced sale, as a result of which he asked Lyn Rigby, who was a permanent resident in the House, either to buy or to rent the site. In December 1975, again facing Big Daddy (as he was by then only named) on television, Nagasaki was successfully unmasked (although he nonetheless went on to win the bout), starting a violent feud between the two. He remained silent, and the programme also featured clips of him wrestling and the famous "unmasking" ceremony in Wolverhampton, 1977. Nagasaki returned in 1981-82 in a few appearances for Brian Dixon,[2] in which the real Nagasaki feuded with notorious Nagasaki impersonator King Kendo (Bill Clarke) in a series of loser-lose-mask matches which saw Clarke defeated and unmasked night after night. The house was named in honour of Lee Rigby, who was murdered by Jihadists in 2013, with Lee's mother Lyn helping to run the retreat. Login / Sign up. Wrestling legend Kendo Nagasaki has recreated his most famous unmasking in the ring – 41 years after the original event. In November 2007 he appeared at LDN "Legends Showdown" in Broxbourne. I started watching him when I was about three or four years old and I just remember watching him on TV and wishing I could be someone like him. Kendo was a world famous wrestler. or. Although he no longer fights, he used to regularly perform in the Potteries. [23] his longtime personal assistant Lawrence Stevens. All Star Wrestling U.K. Sports Event. Nagasaki's most notable achievement during the 1960s was in March 1966 when he defeated and unmasked Count Bartelli (Crewe-born Geoff Condliffe) at the Victoria Hall in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. The name derives from the modern martial art of Japanese fencing (Kendo), and Nagasaki is the name of a city on the south-western coast of Kyūshū, site of the second use of the atomic bomb, as well as an ancient family name in Japan. Live unmasking of one of WOS’s all time greats. His identity as the man behind Kendo Nagasaki was first revealed publicly by a plumber who visited his house in the 1970s[7][1] and again during a 2002 court case over a land dispute with his neighbour. This too would lead to a long running storyline with Nagasaki regularly using his 'powers' to turn Brookside over to his side at live shows. Accessibility Help. As a young lad, Kendo Nagasaki and Adrian Street were the "villains" that I wanted to see win. [8] Thornley never spoke publicly about being Kendo Nagasaki until the publication of his autobiography in 2018 and during interviews to promote the book. This was two years before he had an official ceremonial unmasking at the Civic Hall Wolverhampton in what was one of the most anticipated and most watched moments in ITV's [2][7] During the late 1960s, Nagasaki would feud with Billy Robinson and also with a young Jean Ferre. And if you have pictures to share, tag us on Instagram at StokeonTrentLive. Your information will be used in accordance with our, Dean 'Deano' Allman was one of the wrestlers at the event, Some of the other wrestlers at the King's Hall event, Lee Rigby’s mum Lyn and his sister Courtney with Kendo Nagasaki at Manor Court Hall, near Oakamoor, Kendo Nagasaki reveals he's bisexual in new tell-all book about growing up in this area to become a wrestling megastar, Heroic grandfather commended for saving neighbour's life after fire, Police investigating after reports of a dog being beaten in the street, Armed police called amid reports of street stabbing, Violence erupted close to Audley Health Centre where a number of youths had congregated last night, Teen treated for stab wound after 'altercation' breaks out in North Staffordshire street, Police made one arrest following the incident in Audley but he has since been released without charge, The 19 violent, controlling and abusive men every woman in Stoke-on-Trent should know about, They have been in court because of their horrific crimes, Kveta Hangonyiova was standing by the side of the A50 after her car had broken down, Dozens of Covid home test kits dumped and set on fire by 'moronic' kids in Stoke-on-Trent park, It is believed the children had been issued with the kits from their school, The sad state of Hanley's Debenhams as store closes early, The store closed its doors for the final time today, The missing people in Stoke-on-Trent whose loved-ones need your help, Staffordshire Police have issued three appeals in recent weeks but one man has been missing for months and another for years, Biker taken to hospital after motorcycle crashes with van on A519, Police, fire and ambulance crews attended the scene, Inadequate Stoke-on-Trent care home to shut as residents moved out 'immediately', Haversham House, in Trentham, has been operating for 35 years, 'We're devastated' Staff speak out as Hanley Debenhams opens for last time today, It is the end of an era for Stoke-on-Trent's retail scene, Girlfriend beater walks from court after trying to strangle partner, Aaron Shelley has previous convictions for domestic violence, New Alton Towers record as thrill-seeker rides Nemesis 64 times in one day. Professional wrestling in the United Kingdom (4,728 words) exact match in snippet view article find links to article Haystacks, Jackie Pallo, Big Daddy, Steve Veidor, Dynamite Kid, and Kendo Nagasaki Sign up to our newsletter. Can we really get a clearer picture. Nagasaki was now required to make the Halifax giant look good, culminating in a televised unmasking at the Yorkshireman's hands. Thereafter he made sporadic wrestling appearances. The programme was repeated on BBC Four on 15 July 2013 and 10 June 2015. Michael Quinlan. Kendo Nagasaki, a man who has earned fame by beating other men until they cry for mercy, is walking around Finsbury in north London in search of a place where he can have his photograph taken. Kendo Nagasaki was one of the biggest draws of all time in British Wrestling, especially in the mid 70’s to mid 80’s period.. November 1964: Kendo Nagasaki’s first professional contest against “Jumping” Jim Hussey at Willenhall Baths.. March 1966: Kendo Nagasaki defeated and unmasked Count Bartelli at the Victoria Hall, Hanley.. © Valve Corporation. He was helped by Lyn Rigby, the mother of soldier Lee Rigby, who was murdered at the age of 25 by terrorists in London in 2013. “It allows me to come from behind the mask and reinvent myself and I’m enjoying going around and talking to people.”. I was also the same with Mark Rocco . Unable to afford either option, Rigby and the charity moved out of the estate[25][26], Relationship with character of Kendo Nagasaki, World of Sport — The Unmasking of Kendo Nagasaki, "The Battling Guardsman" Shirley Crabtree, Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Who is that masked man? [2] Over the next few years, Ryan continued to manage King Kendo (with Dale Preston taking over the role from Clarke who had also retired in 1993) in feuds with various old enemies of the real Nagasaki. He is an actor, known for Send in the Girls (1978), ITV Wrestling (1985) and World of Sport (1964). [2] However, in September 1978, he retired on doctor's orders from the ring and began a new career in rock management.[2]. … In December 1975, Nagasaki was unmasked on television by Shirley "Big Daddy" Crabtree. Healing Kendo Nagasaki. May 16, 2019. He originally retired in 1978 but returned to active competition briefly in 1981 and then again from 1986 to 1993. Sean Evans said he felt like he’d been on ‘a very heavy night out’ when he got home after doing so many laps of the intense rollercoaster. “It’s been ages since I’ve seen him, he’s one of my favourite wrestlers. “It was a really hard decision because I’ve lived in Middleton, in Manchester, for 20 years and Lee grew up there, but I was persuaded by the family that moving here was a fresh start. But for last night’s spectacle, he recreated one of TV wrestling’s greatest moments – when he was unmasked in the ring by manager George Gillett at Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall. Now, 40 years after he was ceremonially unmasked by his long-time manager Gorgeous George, Kendo Nagasaki will return to the ring where he will be completely unmasked … He was showing me around Moorcroft and I just thought it was so peaceful and that this was where I wanted to be. Now 77, Thornley is a Buddhist and runs Zen retreats at his estate in Staffordshire. [13], In January 1989, George Gillette died of AIDS and Lloyd Ryan officially became Kendo's new manager. Are you OK Our Friend. After the unmasking! Related Pages. Before, you never knew who he was and that added to the mystery. Barratt wrestled against Yorghos and Hakan in a Ladder match in Hanley in September 2008. Now he’s unmasked and written his book, Peter Thornley is available for After-Dinner Speaking! May 15, 2019. Log In. Create New Account. Kendo Nagasaki’s cause of death was associated with cardiac issue, stemming from his pacemaker … But since living in Cheadle, everyone is so lovely and friendly, they just smile.”. Former wrestler Kazuo Sakurada widely known as Kendo Nagasaki has died on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at the age of 71. In 1968, Thornley toured Japan where he was billed under the alternative name Mr Guillotine (but still with the same visual image. . And Kendo, whose real name is Peter Thornley, proved why he is such a hit with his fans. [12], Another tag team with Blondie Barrett would run for several years. Wrestling legend Kendo Nagasaki has recreated his most famous unmasking in the ring – 41 years after the original event. “My most memorable fight in Stoke-on-Trent was in 1966 at the Victoria Hall, in Hanley, against Count Bartelli,” he recalled. “I never used to go out in Middleton without somebody else because people would cross over the road as they didn’t know what to say to me. When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. The un-defeated fighter re-staged the scene from 1977 when he appeared at the King’s Hall, in Stoke, last night. It was very difficult to get any news and even on his return all Gillett ever said when I asked was that he was undefeated. Kendo Nagasaki made his debut in 1964 when he defeated "Jumping" Jim Hussey but would reach early fame as the Tag Team Partner of Count Bartelli. And Ian Wilshaw, aged 51, from Newcastle said: “I remember watching him at the Victoria Hall in 1975. searching for Kendo Nagasaki 65 found (109 total) alternate case: kendo Nagasaki. Sections of this page. KendoNagasakiMystic. [2] Footage from this match was featured in the BBC2 documentary on Nagasaki Arena: Masters of the Canvas.[2]. He had swept all before him. They also recalled their memories of watching Kendo fight. The character of Nagasaki was a Japanese Samurai with a mysterious past and reputed powers of healing and hypnosis. “It’s Kendo’s mystique and character. What about his fights with the other masked man, the fantastic SuperHawk. Kendo Nagasaki was born on October 19, 1946 in Stoke on Trent, England as Peter Thornley. The more they give to you, the more you can give back. “We moved down here because it got too busy and I wanted to be more involved with the house and the offices are now based at Moorcroft hall. In his autobiography, Thornley says that he is bisexual, and he has spoken in related interviews about the issues faced by gay and bisexual sportsmen of his era. In the 1970s, when wrestling was followed by millions of fans every week, a mysterious, masked wrestler was to debut on British television screens and quickly become an icon. The unmasking is good in some ways, but it’s like the secret is out. Jeremy Baker. Lyn Rigby and her family moved to Cheadle more than a year ago after Peter invited them to visit Moorcroft Hall. 0. Stoke-on-Trent is Kendo’s natural home.”. [14], In May 2008 his old tag team partner Blondie Barratt teamed with him, along with a handpicked LDN Wrestler named Gregory Cortez in a 6 Man Tag Team match to take on Powers, Brookside and Hakan, who replaced Yorghos who he refused to wrestle. Fans turned up at the King’s Hall to watch the unveiling during an All Star Wrestling event. All rights reserved. Something went wrong, please try again later. Email or Phone: Password: Forgot account? She said: “We got invited up to visit Moorcroft when Peter heard about what we were trying to achieve with the foundation. “I’ve written my autobiography to support the Lee Rigby Foundation and I’m really enjoying being involved with that,” added Peter. Wrestling legend Kendo Nagasaki has revealed he's been living as a secret bisexual for half a century.