If you guys haven’t already read part 1 of the interview,  make sure to read it as Enson discusses Pride FC’s backstage politics; saving somebody from a severe beating; his fighting philosophy, and more.  In this second and final part of the interview, Enson discusses a wide variety of topics including his thoughts on Japanese MMA phenom, Shinya Aoki; Enson’s upcoming book release, and his recent legal trouble.

Nerdsociety (NS):  You used to train with Kid Yamamoto, what happened?
Enson Inoue(EI): He has a different way of showing loyalty and appreciation. I still love the kid and would always be there for him if he makes amends.

NS:  It seemed like when Pride was around, MMA was really popular in Japan. But after it was bought out by UFC, new organizations like Dreams and RTV (Road to Victory) are having a hard time reaching its viewers. While in the U.S., MMA is popular than ever. What’s MMA’s current state in Japan and why?
EI:  It’s struggling because Pride was bought out, and most of their popular fighters fight in the UFC now.  Even Fedor is fighting for Affliction, he was extremely popular in Japan.  Pride had many fighters from different countries.  But today’s MMA fighters in Japan are mainly Japanese, this makes it less interesting for the Japanese fans.

Kid Yamamoto

NS:  Gegard Mousasi seems to be the a new star in MMA. Are there any new and upcoming fighters we should look forward to?
EI:  My boy Pat Ayuyu from Rota. His ring name is Gori Chan.  He has two fights so far but his energy and determination is what makes him unique

NS:  Who do you think is the #1 pound for pound fighter and why?
EI:  I like Eddie Alvarez because he is well rounded and goes balls out.
NS:  Even when he lost to Shinya Aoki?
EI:  Definitely.  I believe that Alvarez can beat Aoki 4 0ut 0f 5 times. There are three aspects to MMA: striking, wrestling, and submission. Alvarez is better than Aoki in striking and wrestling. But Alvarez got caught with a submission. Just like my fight with Randy Couture. He is definitely a better fighter than I am.  His boxing is more technical than my brawling style, and his wrestling is one of the best. But he left his arm open when we fought and I took the opportunity and capitalized on it (Enson submitted Randy Couture with an armbar).

Enson armbars Couture.

NS: That’s what makes MMA so great, one mistake and the fight can be over.
EI:  Especially the caliber we’re in.  One slip up and you’ll pay for it. Also, one more thing about Alvarez, it seems like he’s the type of fighter that will learn from a loss and be better for it, while Aoki….we all saw what he did against JZ.
NS: Right, the fight ended with a no contest because of JZ’s illegal elbows.
EI:  Yeah, he could have continued on, but acted like he was injured, so the fight was stopped. 

NS:  What about Aoki’s rainbow pants, does it help him with the submission?
EI:  Of course! It’s like a gi and becomes less slippery. It’s easier to get caught in a submission if there’s less sweat.  But I don’t blame him for wearing it, the organizations allow it

Aoki with the rainbow pants.

NS:  What’s in store for you in the future?
EI:  Well I want to fight again.  I’ll train hard and hopefully fight by the end of the year.  Ever since I was caught with marijuana (Enson has been sentenced to three years probation), some of my “friends” turned on me.  I want to show them that I can be successful without them.  Some of these guys I’ve helped grow big.  One example are the owners of a succesful gym franchise in Japan. They first opened up with two gyms and now they have twenty two. When they first started out, I’d always make public appearances on their behalf. Once I got arrested and then released, they told me straight out that they didn’t want to do anything with me.  That’s how it is in Japan, but when I helped them out, I didn’t even charge a fee.  I did it because I thought they were my friends.

NS:  Did a lot of people turn on you?
EI:  I’d say about 10%.  The other 90% are still loyal to me and I want to thank them for their support.  Getting arrested was good for me, it made me realize who my true friends are.  Kind of like cleaning out your closet and getting rid of the clothes you don’t need (laughing).

NS:  What else is in store for you?
EI:  Well, I’m also planning to release a book by the end of the year. It’ll have my personal stories from my childhood to my prison stay. This will be a unique book, I’m going to tell the truth on what goes on behind the scenes and not sugarcoat it. I’m also going to write about my fight preperation and a recap of my fights.
NS:  Sounds good, can’t wait for that.

NS: Do you have any martial arts school?
EI:  Yes I have 3 in Japan, 1 in Thailand, 3 in Guam, and 1 in Saipan. Together I have close to 800 students.

NS:  Jumping to a different topic, people think you’re tough because you’re a fighter, but are there any nerdy activities you like to do?
EI:  Yes I love the game centers. I like playing the medal games like video poker, bingo, etc…if that counts.
NS:  Definitely that counts, us nerds like video games.

NS:  You were in the movie Red Belt, directed by David Mamet. How was the experience?
EI:  Amazing. Never been in something of that magnitude. The Red Carpet experience in New York was also unbelievable. Mamet, also trains in BJJ and he’s a solid purple belt. Too bad I didn’t have a chance to roll with him.

Red Belt cast and crew

NS:  One last thing, you mentioned on Sherdog that you’re affiliated with the J-rock group Dir En Grey.  How did that come about?
EI:  It turned out they were a big fan of me and got in touch with me.  We started talking and we decided that I’d design a shirt for them.  I attend a lot of their concerts even though I’m not interested in that kind of music (laughing). I support anybody that’s loyal to me.

Dir En Grey – fans of Enson

NS: I want to thank you for letting us have this interview.
EI:  No, I want to thank you for having me.

NS: You like communicating with your fans, are there any final words you would like to tell them?
EI:  Thank you for all your support for me and for the MMA community. I do realize, that it is you, the fans, that make us fighters who we are.  Without you fans, the promotions wouldn’t need the fighters. That’s the reason I have never and never will turn away a fan who wants an autograph or a picture. Thank you MMA fans!

Me and Enson in Vegas for Pride 33

If you you want to drop by a comment or have any questions for Enson, make sure to check his thread on Sherdog.  Enson posts on the thread on a daily basis.

If you’re looking for MMA apparel, make sure to check out Enson’s MMA clothing line at purebredusa.com.

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