(NOAH) Sugiura wears protective clothing to train, self restraint with contact with people and at night.

Tokyo Sports
2nd May 2020

Noah's GHC National Champion, Takashi Sugiura (49), is in great shape. Days of "enrichment" are being spent before the full scale battle between The Sugiura Army, and the rebel group Kongoh, which will be broadcast on the 3rd and his fifth defense that will take place against Katsuhiko Nakajima (32) on the 9th.
Due to the spread of the Coronavirus infection, the veteran champion spoke of his own "safety net concept".

The wrestling world is under threat from the Coronavirus that is currently shaking the world. Although each wrestler devises and practices training in a way to prevent infection, Sugiura is one of the most sensitive in the industry. In anticipation for the title match, and the fight against Kongoh led by Kenoh (35), when he came for training in the Tokyo metropolitan area, he wore a protective suit.

When asked about his life during Corona, he said "I self restrain. I wash my hands and gargle frequently, I shop once every three days. I don't meet anyone. I go to the dojo because the gym is closed, but I do there when there are no other wrestlers. Go out? Just to walk the dogs."
He has cut 80% to 90% of contact with other people, and of course he doesn't go out at night into the city to drink. For that reason he said he is absolutely confident in defense saying, "Thanks to that, I am in the best physical condition for the last few years".

However, regarding the future of The Sugiura Army he says, "There are people in the world who are having employment difficulties, and wrestlers are no exception. I hope it can function as a "recepticle". If you come to us, there will be a battleground." The Sugiura Army are warming up to the idea of becoming a safety net for Puro to provide temporary work to those wrestlers who have lost their jobs to Corona.

There is also an urgent need for The Sugiura Army to replenish their personnel. Kazuyuki Fujita (49) "The Beast", who was a member, has been more unresponsive than usual. On March 29th, he challenged Go Shiozaki for the GHC Heavyweight title, and lost the match after a 31 minute staredown. Since then there has been no contact. Sugiura says, "Well, regarding Fujita, it's a "temporary layoff" after having such a match".
It is expected tha the quarrel with Kongoh will intensify, and that the vacancy will be filled.

It is certain that the Noah mat will continue to revolve around Sugiura and the veterans, who are in good shape, and will bring more and more attention.

Link to original article from Tokyo Sports
Picture credit: Tokyo Sports