Based on event report written by NZ Head Coach Mohsen Lack

New Zealand athletes recently took to the mats at the Japan Open Tournament (12–13 July 2025) in Tokyo, followed by an intensive two-week training camp (14–26 July) alongside some of the world’s best wrestlers.

Our travelling team included Kaige Brown, Cole Hawkins, and Marcus Carney, with myself as head coach. Kaige and I flew from New Zealand together, while Cole joined us directly from Mongolia. Marcus arrived in Tokyo earlier with his family. We had our first training session at Nihon University on 10 July to prepare for the competition.

Japan Open Tournament

The combined New Zealand/Australia squad featured 11 athletes, supported by coaches Mohsen Lack (NZ) and Tsuchika Shimoyamada (AUS), and team manager Aryan Negahdari. The tournament showcased world-class talent, including Daichi Takatani, the 74kg freestyle silver medallist from the Paris 2024 Olympics.

• Kaige Brown (65kg Freestyle) – Faced a former world No.5 wrestler in the opening round. Despite a strong effort, Kaige was unable to progress to the repechage.

• Cole Hawkins (74kg Freestyle) – Met a skilled Japanese opponent in the first round but was also unable to advance after his opponent’s loss in the next round.

• Marcus Carney (125kg Freestyle) – Delivered an outstanding performance, reaching the final against a Japan National Team member. Marcus claimed silver after four hard-fought matches.

Team Results

• Gold – Tom Barns (AUS), 97kg Freestyle

• Silver – Marcus Carney (NZ), 125kg Freestyle

• Bronze – Tsuchika Shimoyamada (AUS), 67kg Greco Roman

• Bronze – Erion Ramljak (AUS), 87kg Greco Roman

High-Performance Training Camp

Following the tournament, Kaige and Cole remained in Japan for the elite training camp. Marcus returned to Australia due to work commitments.

The first week ran on a two-session daily schedule (9am–11am and 3pm–5pm), before shifting to early morning and evening sessions (7am–9am and 5pm–7pm) in week two. Training was intense and varied, including advanced techniques, drills, and live wrestling with Japan’s top-ranked athletes—many of whom are Olympic, World, and Asian medallists.

Our wrestlers had the rare opportunity to train with stars such as Rei Higuchi (57kg gold medallist, Paris 2024) and Kotaro Kiyooka (65kg gold medallist, Paris 2024). The exposure to this calibre of wrestling was invaluable for Kaige and Cole’s development.

Personally, the camp was also an excellent opportunity for me to refine my coaching skills, ensuring I can bring the latest techniques back to New Zealand’s wrestling community.

I would like to thank Wrestling New Zealand for supporting this trip. I look forward to returning next year—this time with an even bigger and stronger Kiwi team.

Article added: Tuesday 12 August 2025