Alongside news of New Japan Pro Wrestling shuttering its U.S. subsidiary is the closure of its U.S. Dojo in California.
Due to the closure of New Japan Pro-Wrestling of America, NJPW ACADEMY will be closing its doors.
From 2018 to 2023, Katsuyori Shibata passed down the Strong Style traditions of Antonio Inoki to a new generation of the LA DOJO: Karl Fredericks, Clark Connors, Alex Coughlin, Gabe Kidd, Ren Narita, Kevin Knight, Yuya Uemura & The DKC.
The LA DOJO became NJPW ACADEMY in March 2023, creating an opportunity for established and aspiring wrestlers to learn the ways of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Under the tutelage of KUSHIDA, Fred Rosser, The DKC & Rocky Romero, NJPW ACADEMY graduates have gone on to perform in nearly every major promotion worldwide, highlighted by Zane Jay joining the full-time NJPW roster in 2025.
NJPW ACADEMY thanks all wrestlers, coaches, guests and fans who stepped through the doors here in Carson, CA over the past 8 years and hopes that you will continue to support New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
The Dojo in Carson, California, was part of New Japan’s multi-pronged effort to create roots in the U.S. as it attempted to expand its base outside Japan.
Once Katsuyori Shibata’s career was assumed to be over, he was assigned to the Dojo, where he served as its head trainer from 2018-2023.
When announcing the shutdown of New Japan Pro Wrestling of America, the promotion said it would continue to hold events in North America, but no shows are currently listed.
