Since I started training with Minoru, it's been worth it for weeks, even months. I didn't think that Suzuki's style of training would be brutal, but the way he carried himself was fascinating to see.

The first thing he'd do when he wake up after showering and dressing, he'd go to a cafe for an iced coffee. I learned that cold drinks like that would help you benefit your health later on in life.

Next, he'd go for a run and sometimes listen to J-pop artist and the songwriter for his entrance music, Ayumi Nakamura, who turns out to be a friend of his in real life.

Thirdly, Suzuki would do some weight training that would actually be simple like throwing a weight ball or moving a barbell from side to side.

Fourthly, after doing everything, he'd shower and hang around the place, waiting for Young Lions to mess up in training or disrespecting their superiors so he can torture them, or brain them (or run his clothing store when he's not wrestling).

It was that process that I didn't know would actually happen to me. The point was, after sharing his process of getting ready for a training session like this, I should come up with one. I decided to go with his because I want to try and stay healthy as possible.

When it had to do with torturing Young Lions in the New Japan dojo, Suzuki made me an exception after giving him my all in our first sparring session the first day, earning his respect in the process. Whenever we sparred, he'd teach me these secret signals that tells a wrestler to either reverse the hold or exchange the hold the latter was in. Whenever I made a mistake, Minoru would simply say, "Don't worry. Let's try again" rather than, "You did it wrong! Do it again, you worm!" He was just so patient and willing to help me with these holds and the psychological aspects of wrestling.

We also practiced our strikes, our chops. My chops were done in an amateur way, so Suzuki wanted to help me improve on them. He did like the way I landed them, but he didn't like how they were done.

Seriously, I gotta say, Minoru actually helps me more than any other Young Lion in the dojo. While he tortures and makes them feel pain, he's making sure he treating me well and not like the other Young Lions he's beaten up. I mean, this guy is just begging to be respected by every wrestling promotion in the world, both figuratively and literally.

After training on the MMA style of Catch Wrestling, Minoru taught me how to perform basic moves like suplexes, neckbreakers, and how to sell them, whether I've been hit with them or I perform them on someone. Believe me, I've watched so many of Suzuki's matches that his selling really helped me get an idea of what to do. I might not be a pro wrestler yet, but learning about selling, the MMA style of Catch Wrestling, and the basic moves of wrestling is totally worth it.

Whenever we're not training, Minoru and I hang out and I learn the business from his perspective because he's done this for 3 decades and I think he's the best person to learn from, not to mention that it looks like time has lost its effect on him because I have a question: how does he not age?

Anyways, I don't talk while he is because I know that if I do, Suzuki would brain me, so instead, I'd pick his brain with my mouth shut and my ears open. To me, that's how a protege is supposed to be: someone who listens to their mentor and use the knowledge he/she gave the protege to become a better athlete or person. I always did that and I'll fight anyone who thinks differently.

It wasn't until a month later that Antonio Inoki had visited the dojo, seeing the Young Lions and offering advice to them. I thought I was seeing things, and I asked Suzuki if I was, but he said, "You're not seeing things, Kai. It's really him." I couldn't believe it, Antonio Inoki, the man with the chinniest chin to ever cheeroo is here, at the dojo, in the flesh.

When Inoki walked over, I was at a lost for words. "Suzuki-san", said Antonio. "Inoki-san." The two shook hands as I had butterflies in my stomach. Inoki was here in front of me and I was trying to not to act like a little kid.

"Who's this young man?," Inoki asked. "Kanji, this is my protege, Kai Hosako. Kai, come say hello", said Minoru. I walked over with complete nervousness because I don't know what to say or do. I shook his hand and, before I knew it, he smiled.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kai," said Mr. Inoki. "The pleasure's all mine, sir", I replied. "Seems like Minoru has taken a liking to you, and from the way you're training with him, I see you're a hard worker," Inoki said. "I try to be, considering my disability", I accidentally said.

Did I mentioned my autism? Oops.

Inoki asked, "Disability?" "Kai has a learning disability called autism. From what he told me, he grew up watching the technical side of wrestling and it helps him escape the harsh times from his childhood", Minoru mentioned. "Ahh, I see. I have to say, that's very bold and very courageous of you, young man", Inoki said to me. "Thank you, sir", I replied.

"Let me know when your first match is, I'd like to see what you can do", Inoki said with a smile, offering his hand again. "I will, and it was a pleasure to meet you Mr. Inoki", I said. "As is mine, Kai".

And that was my first time meeting the founder of New Japan Pro Wrestling.

I thought Mr. Inoki was a gentle and kind man when I first met him. Little did I know, something big would happen later on in my career, which was just getting started.