Jun Izumida

Kurihara, Japan - The mist-shrouded mountains of Miyagi Prefecture have given birth to many great things: sumo wrestlers, rice fields that stretch as far as the eye can see, and Jun Izumida, a grappler whose legacy transcends borders.

Izumida's story is one of perseverance, of weathering life's storms to emerge stronger. Born in 1965, he began his journey in the world of professional wrestling in the early 1990s. A towering figure at 6'1", with a chiseled physique that belied his 306-pound frame, Izumida was an all-rounder, capable of unleashing devastating headbutts and carrying opponents on his shoulders.

Growing up in Kurihara, Izumida was introduced to the art of sumo-ringen, a traditional form of Japanese wrestling. The physicality, the strategy, the sheer force of will – all these elements would later find expression in his professional career. As IZU, Ryuma, or Ryukaku, he battled some of Japan's finest grapplers, honing his craft and building a reputation as a formidable competitor.

Izumida's greatest achievements came when he teamed up with partners. The All Asia Tag Team Championship and IWA World Tag Team Championship were just two accolades earned through his partnerships. His meteorite diving headbutt, Mukado Domu fireman's carry facebuster – these signature moves left opponents dazed and reeling.

For over two decades, Izumida performed in various promotions: Pro Wrestling NOAH, All Japan Pro Wrestling, DragonGate Japan Pro-Wrestling, Michinoku Pro Wrestling, and Diamond Ring. His final match took place on March 18, 2012 – a testament to his unwavering dedication.

Alas, Izumida's story was cut short when he passed away on January 25, 2017, due to a heart attack. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, the weight of his experience remains – a reminder that even in death, one can continue to inspire and motivate others. As the misty mountains of Miyagi continue to produce new generations of wrestlers, Jun Izumida's legacy will forever be etched in the annals of Japanese professional wrestling.