Note On Reaction To NJPW US Dojo Shutting Down

The announced shuttering of NJPW US dojo is not said to be particularly surprising, according to a new report. As announced earlier today, NJPW is ceasing operations of the US branch of the company, which will enter liquidation. F4W Online’s Bryan Alvarez has posted an update on the matter, noting that the matter has not been a surprise to people involved.

Alvarez noted that he spoke with those who have been involved the NJPW USA dojo during its eight years in operation. He noted that a few people said they were “shocked” that the closer did not happen sooner than it did. All the sources Alvarez spoke to expressed that they were sad about the situation considering how many good people have been part of the dojo both in the past and currently.

The NJPW US dojo was located in Carson, California and opened up in 2018. It has been called the NJPW Academy since 2023 and has included the likes of Katsuyori Shibata, KUSHIDA, Fred Rosser, The DKC, and Rocky Romero as coaches.

Josh Barnett noted that he made an offer to take over the dojo, but that “unfortunately, the cost versus debt was so bad it would seem, that closing it was the best move in their eyes.”