YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST

We dive deep into the world of social media and AI and how both are reshaping the fight game. Sarah breaks down how she’s helping fighters build a following without losing their focus, while Enson talks about trolls in Japan, egg memes, and why he’d never have bothered with Instagram during his fighting days. We also get into the rise of AI: how it could impact training, judging, and fighter safet...

In this episode Enson shares the full behind-the-scenes story of what went down at the BreakingDown 16 auditions, the tension with real gangsters vs. entertainers, and why this chaotic format is Japan’s most-watched fight show right now. We discuss the episode who appeared and Enson getting called out himself for a fight. We also dig into the training performances during the Thailand trip, we talk...

Enson and James are back discussing Enson's busy weekend. They break down Yuji’s successful pro MMA debut in GRACHAN and Sattari's high-stakes K-1 title fight, including how Enson made both fights in one day, emotional moments with the team, and the game plans going in. Enson also speaks openly about his first public appearance since his arrest, the changing media perception in Japan, and...

In this episode of the YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST, we break down The Smashing Machine trailer and talk all things Pride FC, Hollywood casting, and what it feels like to be portrayed in a movie without being consulted. Enson shares his honest thoughts on The Rock playing Mark Kerr, Satoshi Ishii taking on the role of Enson himself, and what the film gets right (and wrong) about the brutal early days of...

Enson is fresh off attending RIZIN's epic Tokyo Dome show and ready to break it all down — from the Kleber stoppage and Mikuru's impressive win to sneaking into a VIP box and reacting to RIZIN still affiliating Sudario with YAMATODAMASHII. We cover standout performances, the future of the heavyweight division, Sudario’s struggles, Sabatello’s dominance, and whether Hagiwara vs Mikuru 2 sho...

Enson and James are back, this time recapping all the action from RIZIN 50 — one of the most exciting cards in recent memory. From championship drama to breakout performances, the guys give their take on what went down and what could be next. They break down the razor-close main event between Naoki Inoue and Yuki Motoya, and debate whether the right fighter got the decision. Then it’s all about th...

Enson and James are back with an express edition of the podcast, covering a huge weekend in Japanese MMA. Enson opens up about Koichi’s pro debut loss in Deep, sharing behind-the-scenes details on the preparation, emotional aftermath, and what comes next for the young fighter. They also dive into the controversy surrounding Kaito’s ONE Championship debut, Chatri’s response, and how fighter respons...

Enson and James are back, this time diving deep into Vice’s Dark Side of the Cage episodes covering the rise and fall of Pride FC. With firsthand experience inside the legendary promotion, Enson gives his unfiltered take on the documentary, shedding light on what Vice got right—and what they missed. Enson opens up about his time in Pride, the supposed Yakuza connections, and whether he ever witnes...

Enson, Sarah and James are back talking Team YAMATODAMASHII. In the episode they discuss how the team formed, the characters on the team, the Japanese MMA scene, some of the team's recent and future fights, goals for the team and much more. **Follow the Team** https://www.instagram.com/teamyamatodamashii/https://www.tiktok.com/@teamyamatodamashii?_t=ZN-8twCB4FxCli&_r=1**Follow Team Members...

Enson and James are back, this time joined by MMA legend Denis Kang. In this episode, Enson and Denis share their favourite Pride FC stories, discussing the differences between fanbases in Korea and Japan, and what it was like fighting in these legendary promotions. Denis opens up about his transition to Pride, his match against Akiyama, and the challenges of the Pride Welterweight Tournament. The...

Enson and James and Sarah are back with their final episode covering what happened with Enson & Sarah’s arrest this summer. In this episode, they dive deep into the aftermath of the trial, the challenges they faced, and the moments that stood out. They discuss the harsh realities of Japanese prison life, misunderstandings with the prosecution, and the emotional impact on family and friends. Sa...

Enson and James are back this time with special guest Ian McCall. They discuss the psilocybin mushroom that got Enson arrested, the benefits, who’s taking it, decriminalization across the world, Ian’s recent work with Ayahuasca and athletes, Ian’s conversations with the UFC, who’s helping fund the programme, the work Ian does a coach, looking at advice he would give to Enson, WWE’s interest in his...

Enson and James are back with Sarah for Part 2. They answer the fan questions that came in from the comments, discuss Sarah being told about her release, adjusting to life on the outside, visitation rules, loyalty of a trusted friend, bail requests getting denied and more.   **Get a signed copy of Enson’s second book The Undying Spirit** http://www.destinyforever.com/   **The Undying Spirit is als...

Enson and James are joined by Sarah to look back at the recent arrest. They Discuss the support they’ve had from the previous podcast, what happened when Sarah was arrested, how you get taken to a Japanese jail, the biggest concerns at the time of the arrest, how to deal with the situation, staying healthy in jail, what the guards were like, what kept them going and much more **Get a signed copy o...

Enson and James are back after a 5 month hiatus. In this episode they discuss what happened to Enson, why he his social media posts stopped, how and where Enson was arrested, what happened to Sarah, where the magic mushroom chocolate came from, what charges Enson faced, fan reaction, the loyalty and betrayal of Enson’s students, Enson’s feelings on the Japanese legal system, what’s next for Enson...

Enson and James are back talking about Enson’s release of his second book. They discuss what compelled Enson to write the second book, what he learnt from the first book, where most the book was written, whether there will be a third book, feedback so far on the book, structure of the book, what he would like readers to get from the book, considering audiobook releases and much more. **Get a signe...

Enson and James are back talking about Enson’s experiences in Taiji, Japan. In this episode they discuss what they’ve been up to since Bangkok, upcoming student fights, new book, Enson’s first viewing of The Cove documentary, meeting the Sea Shepherds, setting up meetings, offers from the Right Wingists, making progress moving dolphins and much more. **Limited Stock available for YAMATODAMASHII Fi...

Enson and James are back in Thailand. They discuss why they travelled to Thailand, how they felt bringing the Prince to Sangtiennoi gym, whether it should have been done differently, cold plunges, street food, Enson doing tourist stuff for the first time in 20 years of visiting, Tuk Tuks, Lady Boys and much more. *Limited Stock available for YAMATODAMASHII Fight Gear* https://yamatodamashiifightge...

Enson and James are back talking all the MMA action from around the world this weekend. They discuss Enson’s fighter Animal Koji kickboxing bout, the new fame from BreakingDown, why Enson feels uncomfortable with the BreakingDown association, whether it will change, live experience at RIZIN Saga, who impressed, PFL vs Bellator Fights, Jon Jones appearance, PFL vs UFC, Ortega vs Yair Rodriguez, Top...

Enson and James are back talking Enson’s latest trip to Hawaii. They discuss how Enson got robbed, what his immediate reaction was, what he learnt about the situation, current crime in Hawaii, possible solutions, Enson’s experience at Fight Story, what the future plans are, UFC 298 predictions, thoughts on Sean Strickland sparring with trolls and more.   **Check out and support Fight Story** https...

Enson and James are back discussing all the latest MMA topics. They discuss the fights from UFC 297, who they would like to see challenge for the middleweight championship, Stricklands controversial comments, DC’s comments about a Khabib comeback, UFC 300, Enson appearing on Mikuru Asakura’s YouTube channel, PFL vs Bellator in Saudi Arabia and much more. *Support the Enson Inoue Foundation* http:/...

Enson and James are back celebrating 100 episodes of the podcast. In this episode they discuss Enson’s help with the people affected by the Earthquake disaster in Japan, favourite episodes, guests they’ve had on, future plans for the podcast, potential future guests and much more. Thank you to everyone who has watched the podcast, the support is really appreciated. **Support the Enson Inoue Founda...

Enson and James are back reviewing all the fall out since New Years Eve. They discuss the recent earthquake disaster that’s occurred in Japan, what Enson is going to do about it, how you can help, Enson appearing on Breaking Down, Anpo/Sudario, RIZIN 45, Sudario’s loss and what went wrong, Juan Archuleta, Mayweather and Pacquiao announcement and much more. ###Apologies we would have talked longer...

Enson and James are looking back at on episode of Jocko Willinks podcast where he discusses why Enson demoted himself in BJJ. They discuss whether Enson and Jocko know each other, why Enson initially felt the demotion was the right thing to do, what changed his mind, Jocko’s thoughts, what Chris Haueter had to say, Tsuyoshi’s fight this Sunday and more.   **Watch the full episode of Jocko’s podcas...

Enson and James are back talking about Enson’s crazy December. They discuss Koichi’s recent fight, how they met, Animal fighting a heavyweight, Tsuyoshi’s big RIZIN fight on New Years Eve, the training he’s been doing in the US, Dan Hardy mentioning Enson on the MMA Hour, Dana wearing Yamatodamashii Fight Gear, cold plunges, 2024 plans and so much more. *Pre-Order Yamatodamashii Fight Gear while s...