Tag: Combat

Since the inception of Asian martial arts into the west, there have been many fake martial artists. But possibly the first was a man named Count Dante, who has one of the most absurd stories ever told.

Here is the crazy story of Count Dante, who may be the very first fake martial artist in American history. Detailing his various scams and the notorious dojo wars that took place in 1970.

Count Dante’s Early Life

Obviously, Count Dante was not the man’s real name. His real name was John Timothy Keehan and he was born into an Irish family in Chicago, Illinois.

His family was rather well off as his father was a physician and his mother was occasional in the Chicago Tribune. 

While Keehan has made many fabrications about his life, he was a legitimate martial arts practitioner. As a kid, Keenhan practiced boxing at Johnny Coulon’s 63rd Street Gym.

After graduating from Mount Carmel High School, Keenhan would enlist in the Marine Reserves. While serving his term, he would learn jujitsu and self-defense techniques from his hand to hand combat instructors.

Count Dante’s Martial Arts Training 

After serving his time in the military, Dante would pursue martial arts training. Practicing in several disciplines, but most notably training under American Karate pioneer Robert Trias.

Under Trias, Meehan would earn his black belt in Karate. Making him an actual legitimate black belt in Karate. Giving him a leg up on most fake martial artists that came after him.Meehan himself would later go on to become a Karate sensei and open his own Karate dojo.

The United States Karate Association(USKA)/World Karate Federation(WKF) 

When Meehan opened his own Karate dojo, he went all out in promoting himself. Something that we actually have to give him credit for.

He was able to become the midwest director of the United States Karate Association(USKA). Of course, his unconventional beliefs about training and competition would lead to a falling out with the association.

After leaving USKA, Dante would co-host the very first full contact martial arts style in the US. The competition drew a big audience at the University of Chicago on July 28, 1963.

This event drew a lot of criticism from many top martial arts instructors. Citing that having bouts with no protective gear was barbaric and dangerous.

Dante would ignore these criticisms and continue to have these full contact events sporadically. Bruce Lee was said to have attended one of these competitions. However, Dante most likely paid him to attend.

He also founded the World Karate Federation(WKF) in 1964. An organization of his own, so that he could do his own shows without answering to a governing body.

Dan-te

After a while, Count Dante became disenfranchised with Karate. Once stating that the martial art “was for sissies.”

He would go on to create his own martial art that he would call “Dan-te.” He would also refer to his style as “Dance of Death” and “Kata-Dante.”

A style that he claimed was the most street-effective self defense system in the world. Better than any other martial art system in the world.

Keehan claimed that anyone that perfected his fighting style would become a “fighting master.”

Count Dante Officially Changes His Name

While he was going by the moniker Count Dante for years, Meehan would officially change his name in 1967. Changing his full name to Count Juan Raphael Dante.

Count had created a whole backstory for why he went by this title. He claims that his family were nobles that fled Spain during the Spanish Civil War.

After fleeing, his family would change their names and hide their nobility, so as to not draw attention from possible assassins.

Keehan actually took his name from the protagonist of the novel The Count of Monte Cristo. The main character of course being Count Dante, which he thought no one would notice.

There was also not an ounce of Spanish blood in his body. He was born from an Irish American family, whose family immigrated from Ireland.

The Deadliest Man Alive 

To continue to promote himself and his “deadly martial art”, Dante would begin promoting within comic books. During this time, comic books had advertisements from various things, which included obvious scams.

The advertisement that the Count put in comic books was one of the most blatant scams of this era. In these ads, Dante would promote himself as “The Deadliest Man Alive.”

The so-called deadliest man alive would sell a manual that he called the World’s Deadliest Fighting Secrets. For just $5 he would mail customers a copy of this manual to learn his deadly fighting secrets.

The headline of these ridiculous ads read: “Yes, this is the DEADLIEST and most TERRIFYING fighting art known to man—and WITHOUT EQUAL. Its MAIMING, MUTILATING, DISFIGURING, PARALYZING and CRIPPLING techniques are known by only a few people in the world. An expert at DIM MAK could easily kill many Judo, Karate, Kung Fu, Aikido, and Gung Fu experts at one time with only finger-tip pressure using his murderous POISON HAND WEAPONS. Instructing you step by step thru each move in this manual is none other than COUNT DANTE — THE DEADLIEST MAN WHO EVER LIVED”

Customers would also receive a free membership card to Dante’s Black Dragon Fighting Society. The name of his martial arts school should not be confused with the Black Dragon Society. A secret group of Japanese nationalists

Count Dante The Hairdresser 

While Count Dante was busy promoting his dojo and full contact martial arts events, he was also a hairdresser. Not just a normal hairdresser, but an immensely talented one that had many rich clients.

He even dressed like a famous hairdresser with a perm, styled beard, and completely flamboyant clothes. One of his biggest clients was said to be Playboy founder Hugh Hefner.

Hugh was said to have frequently contacted Dante to get the playmates ready for parties and photoshoots. This was actually a thing in Keehan’s life that was actually true.

The Dojo Wars 

Now, the most notorious thing that Count Dante became known for was the infamous Dojo Wars saga. This embarrassing series of events started with Dante and “second deadliest man alive” Doug Dwyer getting drunk one night.

The two thought it would be a good idea to go to a rival dojo and throw dynamite through their window. While the explosive didn’t destroy the rival dojo, the police would arrest the two for attempted arson.

Their arrest didn’t stop the two, as they later gathered a group from their dojo to storm the rival dojo. They came to the Green Dragon Society’s dojo armed with various Chinese martial arts weapons.

But what Dante didn’t know was that the group from the Green Dragon Society were tipped off about the dojo storming. When Dante kicked their door down, his group was met with six Green Dragon Society members that were also armed.

Dante claims in the fight that he pulled several eyeballs out of the skulls of the rival dojo. But there were no medical reports from the local hospital of anyone getting their eyes pulled out.

But one of Keehan’s associates, Jim Concevic, was killed in the fight. Suffering a stab wound in the side from a sword.

Chicago PD would arrest everyone involved, including Dante, who was hiding in his office when police found him.

The judge presiding over the trial dismissed the Dojo Wars case as the story was so absurd. Before dismissing the case, the judge said everyone involved in the incident was guilty and should be ashamed of themselves.

Count Dante’s Death 

After the Dojo Wars incident, Dante would get into other various scuffles, but would go into obscurity. Spending most of his time either drunk or taking various substances.

His crazy life would catch up to him on May 25, 1975. Count Dante died in his sleep after suffering a hemorrhage of a bleeding ulcer in his intestines. 

Other Lies, Claims, and Things Count Dante Committed

There were other wild claims, lies, and incidents that occurred in the life of the Count. Here are some of the various stories that happened involving him.

Dim Mak

Count Dante claimed to know the Dim Mak death touch. A supposed Kung Fu technique that would kill a person with one touch. It’s a wild that Keehan could never back up.

Fighting a Bull

While creating publicity for a martial arts event, Dante claimed that he could kill a bull with one punch. He went so far as to create an event, where he said he would fight a bull.

Dante would drive around Chicago with a bull on a flatbed truck to promote the event. But on the day of the event he tried to make a student take his place, but the student refused.

He would then announce the cancellation of the event and claim that the ASPCA shut the event down.

Death Matches

Dante made a claim that he won numerous death matches that took place in Thailand and China in front of thousands. Although, nobody could ever corroborate these crazy stories. Keenhan was also reported to never have left the US in his life.

Challenging Fighters 

One thing that Dante did was go around challenging fighters to a match against him. Challenging everyone from Judo and pro wrestling champions. He even went to Muhammad Ali’s house to challenge him, but he was ignored by the champ.

1974 Chicago Purolator Vault Robbery

In a memoir written by Keenhan’s former attorney and mob lawyer Robert Cooley made a bold claim about his client. Cooley claimed that Count Dante was the mastermind behind the Chicago Purolator Vault Robbery in 1974.

A bank heist, where $4.3 million dollars was stolen. The police did interview Dante, but they dismissed him as a suspect after passing a lie detector test.

Dante’s Legacy as a Scam Artist

Jack “Count Dante” Keenhan was an insane scam artist that could’ve possibly started the trend of fake martial artists. But for whatever it’s worth, he was quite an absurd character. We can all look back at his life and have a good laugh at his ridiculous antics.

Since the inception of Asian martial arts into the west, there have been many fake martial artists. But possibly the first was a man named Count Dante, who has one of the most absurd stories ever told.

Here is the crazy story of Count Dante, who may be the very first fake martial artist in American history. Detailing his various scams and the notorious dojo wars that took place in 1970.

Count Dante’s Early Life

Obviously, Count Dante was not the man’s real name. His real name was John Timothy Keehan and he was born into an Irish family in Chicago, Illinois.

His family was rather well off as his father was a physician and his mother was occasional in the Chicago Tribune. 

While Keehan has made many fabrications about his life, he was a legitimate martial arts practitioner. As a kid, Keenhan practiced boxing at Johnny Coulon’s 63rd Street Gym.

After graduating from Mount Carmel High School, Keenhan would enlist in the Marine Reserves. While serving his term, he would learn jujitsu and self-defense techniques from his hand to hand combat instructors.

Count Dante’s Martial Arts Training 

After serving his time in the military, Dante would pursue martial arts training. Practicing in several disciplines, but most notably training under American Karate pioneer Robert Trias.

Under Trias, Meehan would earn his black belt in Karate. Making him an actual legitimate black belt in Karate. Giving him a leg up on most fake martial artists that came after him.Meehan himself would later go on to become a Karate sensei and open his own Karate dojo.

The United States Karate Association(USKA)/World Karate Federation(WKF) 

When Meehan opened his own Karate dojo, he went all out in promoting himself. Something that we actually have to give him credit for.

He was able to become the midwest director of the United States Karate Association(USKA). Of course, his unconventional beliefs about training and competition would lead to a falling out with the association.

After leaving USKA, Dante would co-host the very first full contact martial arts style in the US. The competition drew a big audience at the University of Chicago on July 28, 1963.

This event drew a lot of criticism from many top martial arts instructors. Citing that having bouts with no protective gear was barbaric and dangerous.

Dante would ignore these criticisms and continue to have these full contact events sporadically. Bruce Lee was said to have attended one of these competitions. However, Dante most likely paid him to attend.

He also founded the World Karate Federation(WKF) in 1964. An organization of his own, so that he could do his own shows without answering to a governing body.

Dan-te

After a while, Count Dante became disenfranchised with Karate. Once stating that the martial art “was for sissies.”

He would go on to create his own martial art that he would call “Dan-te.” He would also refer to his style as “Dance of Death” and “Kata-Dante.”

A style that he claimed was the most street-effective self defense system in the world. Better than any other martial art system in the world.

Keehan claimed that anyone that perfected his fighting style would become a “fighting master.”

Count Dante Officially Changes His Name

While he was going by the moniker Count Dante for years, Meehan would officially change his name in 1967. Changing his full name to Count Juan Raphael Dante.

Count had created a whole backstory for why he went by this title. He claims that his family were nobles that fled Spain during the Spanish Civil War.

After fleeing, his family would change their names and hide their nobility, so as to not draw attention from possible assassins.

Keehan actually took his name from the protagonist of the novel The Count of Monte Cristo. The main character of course being Count Dante, which he thought no one would notice.

There was also not an ounce of Spanish blood in his body. He was born from an Irish American family, whose family immigrated from Ireland.

The Deadliest Man Alive 

To continue to promote himself and his “deadly martial art”, Dante would begin promoting within comic books. During this time, comic books had advertisements from various things, which included obvious scams.

The advertisement that the Count put in comic books was one of the most blatant scams of this era. In these ads, Dante would promote himself as “The Deadliest Man Alive.”

The so-called deadliest man alive would sell a manual that he called the World’s Deadliest Fighting Secrets. For just $5 he would mail customers a copy of this manual to learn his deadly fighting secrets.

The headline of these ridiculous ads read: “Yes, this is the DEADLIEST and most TERRIFYING fighting art known to man—and WITHOUT EQUAL. Its MAIMING, MUTILATING, DISFIGURING, PARALYZING and CRIPPLING techniques are known by only a few people in the world. An expert at DIM MAK could easily kill many Judo, Karate, Kung Fu, Aikido, and Gung Fu experts at one time with only finger-tip pressure using his murderous POISON HAND WEAPONS. Instructing you step by step thru each move in this manual is none other than COUNT DANTE — THE DEADLIEST MAN WHO EVER LIVED”

Customers would also receive a free membership card to Dante’s Black Dragon Fighting Society. The name of his martial arts school should not be confused with the Black Dragon Society. A secret group of Japanese nationalists

Count Dante The Hairdresser 

While Count Dante was busy promoting his dojo and full contact martial arts events, he was also a hairdresser. Not just a normal hairdresser, but an immensely talented one that had many rich clients.

He even dressed like a famous hairdresser with a perm, styled beard, and completely flamboyant clothes. One of his biggest clients was said to be Playboy founder Hugh Hefner.

Hugh was said to have frequently contacted Dante to get the playmates ready for parties and photoshoots. This was actually a thing in Keehan’s life that was actually true.

The Dojo Wars 

Now, the most notorious thing that Count Dante became known for was the infamous Dojo Wars saga. This embarrassing series of events started with Dante and “second deadliest man alive” Doug Dwyer getting drunk one night.

The two thought it would be a good idea to go to a rival dojo and throw dynamite through their window. While the explosive didn’t destroy the rival dojo, the police would arrest the two for attempted arson.

Their arrest didn’t stop the two, as they later gathered a group from their dojo to storm the rival dojo. They came to the Green Dragon Society’s dojo armed with various Chinese martial arts weapons.

But what Dante didn’t know was that the group from the Green Dragon Society were tipped off about the dojo storming. When Dante kicked their door down, his group was met with six Green Dragon Society members that were also armed.

Dante claims in the fight that he pulled several eyeballs out of the skulls of the rival dojo. But there were no medical reports from the local hospital of anyone getting their eyes pulled out.

But one of Keehan’s associates, Jim Concevic, was killed in the fight. Suffering a stab wound in the side from a sword.

Chicago PD would arrest everyone involved, including Dante, who was hiding in his office when police found him.

The judge presiding over the trial dismissed the Dojo Wars case as the story was so absurd. Before dismissing the case, the judge said everyone involved in the incident was guilty and should be ashamed of themselves.

Count Dante’s Death 

After the Dojo Wars incident, Dante would get into other various scuffles, but would go into obscurity. Spending most of his time either drunk or taking various substances.

His crazy life would catch up to him on May 25, 1975. Count Dante died in his sleep after suffering a hemorrhage of a bleeding ulcer in his intestines. 

Other Lies, Claims, and Things Count Dante Committed

There were other wild claims, lies, and incidents that occurred in the life of the Count. Here are some of the various stories that happened involving him.

Dim Mak

Count Dante claimed to know the Dim Mak death touch. A supposed Kung Fu technique that would kill a person with one touch. It’s a wild that Keehan could never back up.

Fighting a Bull

While creating publicity for a martial arts event, Dante claimed that he could kill a bull with one punch. He went so far as to create an event, where he said he would fight a bull.

Dante would drive around Chicago with a bull on a flatbed truck to promote the event. But on the day of the event he tried to make a student take his place, but the student refused.

He would then announce the cancellation of the event and claim that the ASPCA shut the event down.

Death Matches

Dante made a claim that he won numerous death matches that took place in Thailand and China in front of thousands. Although, nobody could ever corroborate these crazy stories. Keenhan was also reported to never have left the US in his life.

Challenging Fighters 

One thing that Dante did was go around challenging fighters to a match against him. Challenging everyone from Judo and pro wrestling champions. He even went to Muhammad Ali’s house to challenge him, but he was ignored by the champ.

1974 Chicago Purolator Vault Robbery

In a memoir written by Keenhan’s former attorney and mob lawyer Robert Cooley made a bold claim about his client. Cooley claimed that Count Dante was the mastermind behind the Chicago Purolator Vault Robbery in 1974.

A bank heist, where $4.3 million dollars was stolen. The police did interview Dante, but they dismissed him as a suspect after passing a lie detector test.

Dante’s Legacy as a Scam Artist

Jack “Count Dante” Keenhan was an insane scam artist that could’ve possibly started the trend of fake martial artists. But for whatever it’s worth, he was quite an absurd character. We can all look back at his life and have a good laugh at his ridiculous antics.

The osoto gari is one of the most effective techniques within the grappling art of Judo. For anyone that practices any form of grappling or MMA, it’s a must know trip to get your opponent down.

Here is just about everything that you need to know about osoto gari. Giving you details about how to do the basic version of the technique to various setups to hit the move.

What is Osoto Gari? 

The osoto gari is a trip that was created within the grappling art of Judo. The name of the move translates to “major outer reap” and is classified as an ash-waza or foot technique.

It is one of the core techniques within the martial art, which is also one of the simplest to execute. The technique involves knocking your opponent off balance and forcing their weight on their outside leg.

Once you’ve compromised your opponent’s, you hook your heel behind your opponent’s leg. At the same time, you’re hooking the leg, you’re also pulling your opponent into you. Forcing them to the mat.

Osoto gari is so effective that it is taught within all of the major grappling arts. Numerous setups have been created for this technique and it’s one you must know to evolve your takedown abilities.

Osoto Gari vs. Ouchi-Gari

One technique that beginners always confuse osoto gari with is the ouchi-gari. Their movements are very similar, but there’s one main difference,

In the osoto gari, you hook your opponent’s outside leg and in ouchi-gari, you hook the inside leg. Completely different, but play off of each other well. You can easily fake one technique and go to the other. 

Basic Osoto Gari

We’ll go into a few of the various setups later and start with the basic mechanics of how to osoto gari. In the Gi, we’ll start with a basic collar and high sleeve grip like you would in most Judo techniques.

You’re going to pull with your opponent’s arm as you push them the same with your collar/lapel grip. At the same time you do this, you’re going to step forward with your outside foot.

Putting it directly in-line with the leg that you’re targeting. From there, your inside leg is going to kick up and hook behind your opponent’s leg. 

As your foot hooks your opponent’s leg, you’re going to make a punching motion with your lapel grip forward with force. Putting these motions together, takes your opponent off their feet and to the mat.

No-Gi Osoto Gari

Osoto gari is very effective in no-gi with a variety of setups like in the Gi. Here’s a simple set up that you should consider trying with an underhook.

Get your underhook by grabbing a collar tie. When you pull your opponent’s head down with the collar tie, they will try to posture and you take an underhook.

Keep your head against the side of your opponent’s head and take wrist control on their far arm. From here, you’re going to go foot to foot and hook behind your opponent’s leg with your inside foot.

At the same time, you lift them up with the underhook to further knock their base off and complete the technique.

A Common Osoto Gari Mistake

Osoto gari is easy to execute, but there is one mistake that a lot of people make with this throw. Here is how to correct this error that you might be making.

The mistake that many make is pulling their opponent in the wrong direction. Pushing them away, instead of pulling them with you in the same direction.

If you push your opponent away from you, you’re basically stuffing your own throw. They are leaning their weight on the leg that you’re hooking for osoto gari to work.

Ouchi Gari to Osoto Gari

As mentioned in the previous section, you can set up an osoto with your ouchi gari. Start the setup like you’re doing an ouchi-gari.

Pull your opponent forward and fake like you’re hooking their inner leg. They will naturally respond by stepping out, which puts you in-line for the osoto gari.

Just push/pull your opponent off balance and go right into the technique.

Deashi-Harai to Osoto Gari

If your opponent is not taking the bait, you can do a deashi-harai to osoto gari combo. When your opponent is keeping their leg too far away from osoto, you can set it up with desashi-gari.

Pull your opponent forward and place your foot on the outside of their inside foot. When they do this, your opponent will react by stepping back and bringing their back foot forward.

That is your moment to go right into osoto gari.

Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi to Osoto Gari

The fake sasae tsurikomo ashi is a great fake to set up osoto, because you’re moving in the same direction. When you step in for your sasae, your opponent will circle out.

When finishing circling, they make the mistake of staying heavy on their outside leg. Making it rather easy for you to step into an easy osoto.

Harai Goshi to Osoto Gari

Another great set up to hit an osoto is to fake an harai goshi attempt. When you hook your opponent’s leg for a harai goshi, they will defend by dropping their weight and bending their knees.

When they do this, you’re going to staple your plant foot behind your opponent’s foot. Change your direction and go right into a powerful throw.

All three of three of the previous setups are demonstrated in this video below. 

Self Defense Osoto Gari

Osoto gari is quite practical for a self defense situation. Here is how you can use this throw as a counter against an overhand punch.

When your attacker is coming forward with their punch, you’re going to quickly react by doing two movements. Use your forearm to connect at your attacker’s bicep and open your palm to grab their throat.

Use your palm to strike at the throat and go right into a nasty osoto gari.

Important Tips For Hitting the Osoto Gari

Osoto gari is a really easy technique to pull off, but the details have to be exact. Here are the important tips and details you must know for hitting the osoto gari takedown.

• Shift Opponent’s Weight: For the technique to work, you will have to force your opponent to shift their weight to the leg you’re targeting. If you don’t compromise their balance, you will not get the takedown.
• Push and Pull: Remember to get your opponent off balance, you must push and pull with your grips towards the leg you’re targeting. Pull on the sleeve grip and push with the lapel/collar grip.
• Angle Your Opponent: As you push/pull your opponent it should be at a slight angle to the side. Your goal should be to shift their weight and get their heels off the mat.
• Penetration Step: Your outside leg needs to make a penetration step in-line with the leg you’re targeting. If you step too shallow or too far it could compromise your attack.
• Hooking Leg: Your inside leg is the hooking leg and you kick it straight up and hook behind your opponent’s leg.
• Punching Motion: At the same time you hook your opponent’s leg, you should be doing a punching motion with your collar/lapel grip.
• Everything In Motion: Remember that the movements of the osoto gari are done all in one motion. When you do all the movements correctly and quickly, your opponent should go down with ease.

Arguably the best pound for pound amateur wrestler in the world today is the great Kyle Dake. A 4x world freestyle champion and 4x NCAA world champion, who isn’t done adding to his impressive legacy.

• Name: Kyle Dake
• DOB: 25 February 1991
• Birthplace: Ithaca, New York
• Nickname: N/A
• University: Cornell University
• Championships: 4x World Freestyle Champion, 4x NCAA Champion, 2x Pan American Champion

Here’s what you need to know about Kyle Dake. Going over his incredible career(so far) and going over how he’s becoming an all time great.

Kyle Dake’s Early Years 

Kyle Dake grew up in Ithaca, New York and has been a wrestler for the majority of his life. He started his training at an early age and had a laser-like focus on developing his skills.

From the moment Dake began competing, he would be successful at the sport. Winning various junior level competitions and competing in both folkstyle and Greco-Roman style wrestling.

Before college, his focus was more on the Greco-Roman style. Winning the FILA USA Championship in 2008, as well as a finalist three times prior and US Team Trial finalist. He would also place fourteenth at the Greco-Roman Junior World Championship.

But even though Dake’s focus was Greco-Roman, he excelled more at folkstyle. Never losing a folkstyle match in high school and winning multiple New York state championships.

Kyle Dake’s Collegiate Career 

Dake’s stellar high school career would earn him a full scholarship to Cornell University. A university known for producing high level wrestlers.

As a freshman, Kyle was already one of the best wrestlers on the team. He would start his collegiate career in the 141lb(63.95kg) as a freshman. Going undefeated his freshman year and winning every major NCAA title.

In his sophomore year, Dake would move up to the 149lb(67.58kg) and be just as unstoppable. Going undefeated in 2011 once again and winning his second NCAA championship.

For his junior year, Dake would move up once again to the 157lb(71.2kg) division to take another challenge. Earning his third NCAA title and going undefeated for the third straight year.

In the same year, Kyle Dake would make his senior freestyle debut, where he’d be the runner-up to Andrew Howe.

For his senior year, Kyle would move up a weight class for the fourth time to the 165lb(74.84 kg) division. Becoming only the third wrestler in NCAA history to win four straight titles.

But Dake was the first ever to win four NCAA titles in four separate divisions. Accomplishing all of this, while earning every award possible and going 20-0 in the NCAA Championship tournaments.

Kyle Dake’s Health Problems 

After finishing a legendary college career, Kyle Dake would face numerous obstacles in 2014. His body would finally break down after years of hard wrestling and deal with numerous staph infections.

His bad health would put him on the shelf for most of 2014. But he came back better than ever in 2015.

Kyle Dake’s World Championships

On top of winning four straight NCAA titles, Kyle Dake is also reigning and defending 4x world freestyle champion. Something that no other American wrestler has ever done.

2018 Freestyle World Championship

In 2018, Kyle would compete in his very first Freestyle World Championship that was held in Budapest. Competing in the 79 kg division in an incredibly stacked division.

He would have one of the best performances of his career. Giving up no points and winning all four matches by technical fall.

The opponent’s he beat included Martin Obst and defeating Jabrayil Hasanov in the finals.

2019 World Championship

After earning a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games, Dake would return to the World Championship to attempt to retain his title.

He would be successful in retaining his title with another great performance. Defeating Jabrayil Hasanov once again to win his second title. 

2021 World Championship

Since Kyle medaled at the Olympics, it automatically qualified to participate in the 2021 World Freestyle Championship. For his third world title attempt, Kyle Dake would move down to 74 kg.

In the finals, Kyle would defeat Tajmuraz Salkazanov to win his third straight world title.

2022 World Championship

After making history in 2021, Kyle would once again try to make history in 2022. Going for an unheard of fourth straight world title.

This tournament would be one of the toughest of his career, but he would once again come out on top. In the finals, he beat Tamjuraz Salkazonov from Slovakia 3-2 to win his fourth world title.

Kyle Dake vs. Jordan Burroughs

Without a doubt, the biggest rival in the career of Kyle Dake is Jordan Burroughs. An Olympic gold medalist and multiple time world champion. Many argue that Burroughs is as good, if not better than Dake.

Throughout the last decade, the two wrestlers have had a bitter rivalry. Having numerous matches against each other.

One of their first meetings took place at the 2013 US World Team Trials. Burroughs was fresh off winning a gold medal and would beat Dake twice to earn his spot on the US team.

Jordan would continue to get the better of Kyle over the next few years. Beating Dake again twice at the team trials in 2015 and then again three times in 2017. Winning the US Team Trials again and the US Championship.

Dake won his first match against Burroughs in 2017 and would finally get his revenge in 2021. Finally beating Burroughs twice at the 2020 US Team Trials.

Many saw these wins as a possible passing of the guard for who’s the current best American wrestler.

Kyle Dake’s Best Techniques 

Kyle is primarily known for being one of the best defensive wrestlers in the world. Always having an answer for his opponent’s attacks and answering with counter go-behinds and chest wraps.

Using these positions to set up his powerful body lock takedowns. As for his offense, Dake is known for impressive snatch single.

He loves to take a low stance and bait his opponents in a variety of ways. Faking shots or doing quick switches to force his opponent to either square up or force their leg forward.

Once he’s in range, Kyle will hook behind his opponent’s knee and switch between a high crotch or snatch single. Dake also likes to set up his single legs off of his defensive counters.

Hitting them off of anything from sprawls or circling out of throw attempts.

Kyle Dake’s Conditioning Training 

One of the biggest things that has helped Kyle be so successful is his conditioning routine. Wrestlers are known for being extremely dedicated to their conditioning training, but usually go to failure and break themselves down.

Dake has seeked the help of the top trainer’s in the world to help with his conditioning. He is now able to reach peak conditioning levels without breaking down his body.

Everything he does is functional with focus on movements that he would do in a wrestling match. His advanced training system along with a focus on technical training is what has made Dake a champion.

The Legacy of Kyle Dake

Kyle Dake has nearly done it all in his wrestling career. He’s the only American wrestler to win four straight NCAA championships and four straight world titles.

The only major title that he is yet to win is Olympic gold, which he is focused on in 2024. If Dake is able to win Olympic gold, he may be considered the greatest wrestler of all time.

On the short list of greatest amateur wrestlers of all-time, Dan Gable is for sure one of the best ever. Not only being a dominant wrestler, but also considered one of the best coaches of all time.

Here is a condensed version of the legendary Dan Gable. Going from his journey to winning every accolade in wrestling, dealing with tragedy, and becoming an even greater coach.

Dan Gable’s Early Years 

Dan Gable grew up in the small town of Waterloo, Iowa. From an early age, Gable was a self admitted hellion.

His parents were always working and Dan would always find a way to get into trouble. That is when his parents decided to enroll him into the local YMCA to help him find guidance and discipline.

He would first get into swimming and would actually excel at the sport. Winning a state championship in the backstroke at 12 years old.

Gable had already been wrestling from an early age, but began to hone his skills at this YMCA. But even though Dan excelled at sports, he had a hard upbringing.

His parents liked to drink and the local police would often visit his home to break up fights between his parents.

Dan Gable’s Early Wrestling Career

Despite Gable’s hard upbringing, he had good instructors that helped him develop his skills. He credits much of his development to his wrestling coach at West Waterloo High School.

In his high school career, Dan went undefeated going 64-0 with 25 pins. Winning a state championship three years in a row in three different weight divisions.

Dan Gable’s Collegiate Career

Dan’s stellar high school career would earn him a full scholarship to Iowa University. A college that has been historically considered having one of the best wrestling programs ever.

Gable would continue his domination throughout his collegiate career. As a freshman, Gable would compete in the 142 lb division throughout his entire collegiate career.

He would go on to win three straight national championships in the weight class and going undefeated.

Dan Gable’s Only Collegiate Loss

Going into his senior year, Dan had not suffered a loss in his wrestling career in over a decade. In his final match in the national championship, Gable had an unblemished record with 118 straight wins

He would face a sophomore from Washington named Larry Owings, who many assumed would lose to Gable. Dan, who was methodical about his pre-match ritual didn’t do his usual thing.

Instead, he was doing interviews with ABC’s Wide World of Sport and wasn’t focused on the match. Larry Ownings however was prepared for the match and gave Gable the match of his life.

Ownings would shock the world and beat the greatest wrestler in the country 13-11 to win the national title. Putting Dan Gable’s collegiate record at 118-1.

Even though Gable lost, he felt that the loss was the best thing to ever happen to him. It would drive him to pursue a world championship and Olympic title.

Dan Gable’s Performance at the 1971 World Championship

Coming off his loss at the 1970 college championship, Gable would return in even better form. His first big competition post-college was at the 1971 World Championship.

He had a strong showing and was the clear favorite to win the competition. Easily beating his first four opponents and winning all of his matches by pin.

Unfortunately, Gable suffered an injury in the semifinal match and was forced to pull out of the finals. Being forced to settle for silver at the event, but many believed he would’ve won his final match.

Dan Gable Winning Gold at the 1972 Olympics 

Gable would continue his grueling training throughout the next year to prepare for the 1972 Olympic Games. His performance at the Munich Games is widely considered to be one of the best performances of all time.

He would compete in the 68 kg division and not get a single point scored on him throughout the Olympics. Winning his six matches by a combined 27 points.

His match in the finals would be against Soviet Union wrestler and defending champion Ruslan Ashuraliyez. Becoming the first American to win Olympic gold in freestyle wrestling since 1960.

Till this day, people still talk about Gable’s performance at the 1972 Olympics.

Dan Gable’s Training & Mental Toughness

Dan credits much of his success to his training and mental toughness. He would spend hours a day training until exhaustion.

Taking his body and mind to their limits to become the best he could be. Even during the offseasons, Gable would continue training like he was in wrestling season.

When he would come home during the offseasons and vacation, he would get his friends to help him. Both wrestlers and non-wrestlers to help him sharpen his technique and keep him in shape.

But what meaning experts of wrestling believe that Dan’s best weapon was his mental toughness. He credited his wrestling coach for instilling the importance of a tough mind.

Gable likes to recite a quote from his coach: “Guys win this humility and lose with dignity, but dammit don’t lose!”

He would always remember that throughout his wrestling career.

Dan Gable’s Legacy as a Coach

After having one of the best careers as an athlete, Gable was offered the job of head coach at Iowa University. He accepted the job in 1976 and he would build one of the greatest dynasties in the history of collegiate wrestling.

In his 21 year career as a coach at Iowa, the school won 21 Big Ten Championships. Never losing a conference title in his tenure as a coach.

Also in those 21 years as the coach at Iowa, his team won 15 national championships. Not to mention 45 individual champions and over 152 All-Americans that were part of the team.

Gable was also the coach of the US Olympic team on a few occasions. Most notably at the 1984 Olympics, where his team won 10 medals. Six of which were gold medals.

Dan would retire from coaching in 1997 and his widely considered one the best(if not) the best ever.

The Death of His Sister Diane Gable

On June 1st, 1964, Dan’s sister Diane Gable was murdered in her home of Cedar Falls, Iowa. She was unjust nineteen years old.

Dan was heartbroken at the news of his sister’s death as the two were very close. The death made national news and the investigation commenced.

A teen named John Kyle was convicted of the murder. A shocking revelation, because Kyle was actually a neighbor of the Gable family growing up.

Gable would later open the Dan Gable Wrestling Institute in Waterloo. Dedicated the institute to the memory of his beloved sister.

You can hear Dan give the full details of Diane’s murder on this clip of the Joe Rogan podcast. 

Dan Gable’s Life After Coaching

After retiring from coaching in 1997, Dan would become a motivational speaker and work at his wrestling institute. He does numerous speaking gigs every year and still puts on wrestling seminars.

The Legacy of Dan Gable 

Dan Gable is no doubt one of the best wrestlers and coaches that have ever lived. His ability and mental toughness were an inspiration to many that would go on to be champions. When people talk about the greatest of all-time, he’s always on the short list.

On the short list of greatest amateur wrestlers of all-time, Dan Gable is for sure one of the best ever. Not only being a dominant wrestler, but also considered one of the best coaches of all time.

Here is a condensed version of the legendary Dan Gable. Going from his journey to winning every accolade in wrestling, dealing with tragedy, and becoming an even greater coach.

Dan Gable’s Early Years 

Dan Gable grew up in the small town of Waterloo, Iowa. From an early age, Gable was a self admitted hellion.

His parents were always working and Dan would always find a way to get into trouble. That is when his parents decided to enroll him into the local YMCA to help him find guidance and discipline.

He would first get into swimming and would actually excel at the sport. Winning a state championship in the backstroke at 12 years old.

Gable had already been wrestling from an early age, but began to hone his skills at this YMCA. But even though Dan excelled at sports, he had a hard upbringing.

His parents liked to drink and the local police would often visit his home to break up fights between his parents.

Dan Gable’s Early Wrestling Career

Despite Gable’s hard upbringing, he had good instructors that helped him develop his skills. He credits much of his development to his wrestling coach at West Waterloo High School.

In his high school career, Dan went undefeated going 64-0 with 25 pins. Winning a state championship three years in a row in three different weight divisions.

Dan Gable’s Collegiate Career

Dan’s stellar high school career would earn him a full scholarship to Iowa University. A college that has been historically considered having one of the best wrestling programs ever.

Gable would continue his domination throughout his collegiate career. As a freshman, Gable would compete in the 142 lb division throughout his entire collegiate career.

He would go on to win three straight national championships in the weight class and going undefeated.

Dan Gable’s Only Collegiate Loss

Going into his senior year, Dan had not suffered a loss in his wrestling career in over a decade. In his final match in the national championship, Gable had an unblemished record with 118 straight wins

He would face a sophomore from Washington named Larry Owings, who many assumed would lose to Gable. Dan, who was methodical about his pre-match ritual didn’t do his usual thing.

Instead, he was doing interviews with ABC’s Wide World of Sport and wasn’t focused on the match. Larry Ownings however was prepared for the match and gave Gable the match of his life.

Ownings would shock the world and beat the greatest wrestler in the country 13-11 to win the national title. Putting Dan Gable’s collegiate record at 118-1.

Even though Gable lost, he felt that the loss was the best thing to ever happen to him. It would drive him to pursue a world championship and Olympic title.

Dan Gable’s Performance at the 1971 World Championship

Coming off his loss at the 1970 college championship, Gable would return in even better form. His first big competition post-college was at the 1971 World Championship.

He had a strong showing and was the clear favorite to win the competition. Easily beating his first four opponents and winning all of his matches by pin.

Unfortunately, Gable suffered an injury in the semifinal match and was forced to pull out of the finals. Being forced to settle for silver at the event, but many believed he would’ve won his final match.

Dan Gable Winning Gold at the 1972 Olympics 

Gable would continue his grueling training throughout the next year to prepare for the 1972 Olympic Games. His performance at the Munich Games is widely considered to be one of the best performances of all time.

He would compete in the 68 kg division and not get a single point scored on him throughout the Olympics. Winning his six matches by a combined 27 points.

His match in the finals would be against Soviet Union wrestler and defending champion Ruslan Ashuraliyez. Becoming the first American to win Olympic gold in freestyle wrestling since 1960.

Till this day, people still talk about Gable’s performance at the 1972 Olympics.

Dan Gable’s Training & Mental Toughness

Dan credits much of his success to his training and mental toughness. He would spend hours a day training until exhaustion.

Taking his body and mind to their limits to become the best he could be. Even during the offseasons, Gable would continue training like he was in wrestling season.

When he would come home during the offseasons and vacation, he would get his friends to help him. Both wrestlers and non-wrestlers to help him sharpen his technique and keep him in shape.

But what meaning experts of wrestling believe that Dan’s best weapon was his mental toughness. He credited his wrestling coach for instilling the importance of a tough mind.

Gable likes to recite a quote from his coach: “Guys win this humility and lose with dignity, but dammit don’t lose!”

He would always remember that throughout his wrestling career.

Dan Gable’s Legacy as a Coach

After having one of the best careers as an athlete, Gable was offered the job of head coach at Iowa University. He accepted the job in 1976 and he would build one of the greatest dynasties in the history of collegiate wrestling.

In his 21 year career as a coach at Iowa, the school won 21 Big Ten Championships. Never losing a conference title in his tenure as a coach.

Also in those 21 years as the coach at Iowa, his team won 15 national championships. Not to mention 45 individual champions and over 152 All-Americans that were part of the team.

Gable was also the coach of the US Olympic team on a few occasions. Most notably at the 1984 Olympics, where his team won 10 medals. Six of which were gold medals.

Dan would retire from coaching in 1997 and his widely considered one the best(if not) the best ever.

The Death of His Sister Diane Gable

On June 1st, 1964, Dan’s sister Diane Gable was murdered in her home of Cedar Falls, Iowa. She was unjust nineteen years old.

Dan was heartbroken at the news of his sister’s death as the two were very close. The death made national news and the investigation commenced.

A teen named John Kyle was convicted of the murder. A shocking revelation, because Kyle was actually a neighbor of the Gable family growing up.

Gable would later open the Dan Gable Wrestling Institute in Waterloo. Dedicated the institute to the memory of his beloved sister.

You can hear Dan give the full details of Diane’s murder on this clip of the Joe Rogan podcast. 

Dan Gable’s Life After Coaching

After retiring from coaching in 1997, Dan would become a motivational speaker and work at his wrestling institute. He does numerous speaking gigs every year and still puts on wrestling seminars.

The Legacy of Dan Gable 

Dan Gable is no doubt one of the best wrestlers and coaches that have ever lived. His ability and mental toughness were an inspiration to many that would go on to be champions. When people talk about the greatest of all-time, he’s always on the short list.