Larry Goldberg sent along the following Enson Inoue interview conducted by Glen Isobe:
Enson Inoue former World Shooto Champion and Pride Fighting superstar is set to invade Hollywood and spread some of his samarai fighting spirit. This summer is starting to heat up and word of Innoue's imminent arrival has the MMA faithful excited about a possible return to the ring. Although that maybe in the future, Enson will be arriving in L.A. on a mix of business and pleasure. He has landed a role in David Mamet's upcoming Sony Pictures film entitled “Red Belt.” The film is being marketed as an American Samurai movie heavily influenced by MMA and BJJ and will also feature Randy Couture and John Machado. We were able to catch up with him in Tokyo before his departure to the States and get the low down on “Red Belt,” his possible return to MMA, and his June 3rd seminar at the R1 Center in L.A.
Q: How'd you get involved with David Mamet's “Red Belt” movie?
A: Rico Chiapparelli and Renato Magno contacted me and asked if I wanted to be a part of it. So I looked up David Mamet on the Internet movie data base. I didn't realize how accomplished he is as a writer and filmmaker. I mean the guy won the Pulitzer Prize! I'm honored to be part of his film.
Q: You're going to have an MMA Seminar at R-1 on Sunday, June 3.
A: I've been in Japan since 1990 so most of my adult life has been in Japan. I never really thought about fighting or marketing myself in the U.S. But recently I've been spending a lot of time here and I realize it's the least I can do stay in touch with my fans. That's why I go on the Internet so much, to try and stay in touch.
Q: What's your connection to Rico Chiapparelli and the R-1 Training Center?
A: Back when it was the RAW training center, Egan trained there and he would tell me how awesome the wrestling was. Then when I fought Randy Couture in Japan Vale Tudo they were always so respectful before and after the fight. So when one of my fighters, Kengo Ura, wanted to train in the U.S. I recommended he go the R-1 Center. Andy Wang, one of Egan's black belts also started training there. I still run into Rico and Trigg and Vlady here and there. They are good people.
Q: What's up with your new Purebred USA clothing line?
A: You know I was never into business for the money, I just love the sport. Many of the good things that have happened to me are because of that karma. Tons of people always approach me saying, “We can make money selling stuff.” But I'm not really into that and I need to know I can trust the guy, you know? So this guy Nick approached me after a seminar and told me how much he liked my shirts and how disappointed he was he couldn't get them in the U.S. So when I offered to let him take over the U.S. distribution he just dropped everything. He even gave up a promotion at his work to do it. So now there is Purebred Japan and Purebred USA. I feel I can just trust him to spread the word. And he knows about cotton T-shirts, silk screening, inks…just everything, “He's a clothing geek like I'm a fighting and training geek (laughs).”
Q: Will he be at the seminar with some clothing?
A: Nick will be there. I've also got a friend coming who's an actor on that TV show, “My Name Is Earl.” Phil Baroni is also trying to make it down…but you know Phil (laughs). It should be an awesome day and great seminar. There will also be some amateur MMA sparring matches starting at noon so people can see some up-and-coming talent. Anyone who's in the LA area should come and check it out. I'd love to see everyone out there and say hi to them and have some fun with the SoCal grapplers, BJJ guys, and MMA fighters.”
What: MMA Seminar
Who: Enson Inoue (Heavyweight Shooto Champ & Pride FC star)
When: Sunday June 3rd, 2007
Where: R1 Center (formerly RAW Center). 113 Sierra St, El Segundo, CA 90245
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (MMA amateur sparring starts at 12 p.m.)
Cost: $30 at the door, cash only
Directions: www.r1gym.com/wst_page6.html
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