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 Based on one of the many Japanese expressions meaning "Fighting Spirit", it was not long ago that TŨshi opened its doors in a former factory in Tokyo, Japan.
When I first met proprietor Arthur Vandelay, he explained, "I am a fight manager by trade. I have always had a passion for the martial arts, and maybe if this MMA game had come around 20 years sooner, I would be out there, in a ring or a cage, mixing it up with the best of them. I still like to train of course, but it wasn't until one of the fighters I manage signed on to fight in Tokyo that I became aware that there really were not a lot of great options in the city."
When asked for further detail as to why this would be the case in a country known for being the birthplace of so many popular arts, After sipping from a very large coffee, Vandelay elaborated:
"Now sure, there were a lot of specialized places in the city to train in specific arts, but for the modern MMA fighter, there are too many good gyms out there that cover the striking, the submission game, and all the nuances of the disciplines in-between for someone to try to dvide their time between 3, 4, even 5 different schools. There simply isn't enough time in the day, and to compete at the top level - the days of the one-dimensional, discipline versus discipline MMA has pretty much gone the way of the dodo
"So I did my homework. I had connections with some high-level veterans who had a lot of experience both in the MMA ring as well as teaching younger students, and it kind of took off from there.”
He pauses briefly to look at his phone, which has been buzzing almost non-stop since the interview began. No doubt the life of a fight manager and gym owner is one of little rest, but his tired eyes remain alive with excitement as he continues to tell his story.
"At first is started with these guys, these vets I knew, just coming on board and running classes for whoever would come through our doors. We hired some guys to get some real top-notch fitness training going, and took on anyone with a passion for the sport, and a true desire to learn. Since then, more people have joined, and we’ve really worked hard to get some amazing specialists to add that fine detail – the high-level stuff your top-tier contenders and champions train tirelessly.”
When pushed about the operational, more business-related side of things, Vandelay grinned for a moment, considered his words, then replied.
“Starting this from the ground up sure takes a lot of hard work, as well as a lot of money. But we all decided that if this thing is going to work – if this is going to become THE place to train, we had to do it right. That means a clean facility. That means a well-organized class structure, with a proper schedule to get sparring in and make the best use of everyone’s time. And that meant not being afraid to spend the money for elite-level coaches who aren’t just skilled martial artists, but love to teach and are willing to grow the next generation of the sport.
“But what I think you are really after, is no, we still have not made a profit. However, I am the type of guy who is going to do something right, or not at all. Our class sizes are small, and sparring options are great, our coaches knowledge bases are complete, and I believe in time, word about what we’ve got going here is gonna get out, and this thing is going to take off. I’ve got other fighters I work for as a manager, looking at coming to the city as well, excited for the chance to be a part of this.”
As his phone goes off again, he remains focused, but I decide I should not take up much more of his valuable time. I offer the chance for any parting words, and he is all too happy to oblige.
“The best I can say is, remember the name TŨshi, because I really think we’re catching lightning in a bottle here. Some of the fighters here… I’m telling you, they are champions in the making. I encourage anyone who has a love for this sport to come see what it is that we do, and do better than anyone else. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got just a few people I need to call back.”
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