Karl Gotch

Karl Charles Istaz (August 3, 1924 – July 28, 2007) was a German professional wrestler and trainer, best known by his ring name Karl Gotch. In Japan, Gotch was known as "god of Wrestling" due to his influence in shaping the Japanese professional wrestling style.

Early life

Istaz was born in Antwerp, Belgium, but grew up in Hamburg, Germany. He learned Greco-Roman wrestling in his early years and from the beginning he was a very well known sportsman. He wrestled in "The Hippodroom", a notable sports center in Antwerp, where amateur fights like boxing matches and wrestling matches were fought.

Career

Amateur wrestling

Istaz excelled in amateur wrestling and experienced a major breakthrough in his career by competing as Charles Istaz for Belgium in the 1948 Olympics in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. Gotch also trained in the Indian martial art of Pehlwani. This training led to Istaz's regime of calisthenic bodyweight exercise, which were used by Indian wrestlers and other athletes to build leg endurance and strength. He also adopted other Indian exercises, such as the bridge, Hindu squats, and Hindu press ups in his wrestling. Gotch's philosophy was later passed on to several of his students.