Everyone at Silver Wolf was so focused on training, that there really wasn’t anything that happened outside of training (you’ll also have to keep in mind that as my Japanese was limited I wasn’t in on everything there). The whole gym runs off of a single ring timer, 4 minutes on (last minute harder intensity, last 30 seconds full intensity), and 1 minute rest (this is for the “Pro” training, the other classes work differently). Everyone works hard the full 4 minutes – there are no guys who just come in to hang out or talk. In America I was used to being one of the last guys to leave, but that never happened in Japan. I guess that in of itself is somewhat of a testament to their discipline. I do remember the first time I saw Masato I didn’t recognize him – he was mopping the floor – no joke. He never seemed to expect any special treatment – he had no entourage, and trained alongside of everyone from other pros like Daiguji to foreign amateurs like me (I was the only foreigner there, and my skill level and experience is much much lower than many of the guys there). I also saw Masato take time to observe and coach people of all skill levels and even strike up conversation with me, and Daiguji runs the whole Pro training class. But lord can Masato strike the bags and pads. It’s like thunder and lightning.

I really hope Masato’s last fight is awesome.