# Katsuya Kitamura > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Katsuya_Kitamura > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Katsuya_Kitamura.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katsuya_Kitamura > Source revision: 1324370671 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Japanese professional wrestler (1985–2022)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}} {{Infobox professional wrestler | name = Katsuya Kitamura | image = Katsuya Kitamura.jpeg | image_size = | alt = | caption = | birth_date = {{birth date|1985|12|14}}{{cite web|title=Katsuya Kitamura|website=Sp.njpw.jp|accessdate=March 16, 2017|url=http://sp.njpw.jp/profile/660|archive-date=March 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317054547/http://sp.njpw.jp/profile/660|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/profile/1160|title=Katsuya Kitamura – 北村克哉 – New Japan Pro-Wrestling|accessdate=April 22, 2017|archive-date=March 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317054923/https://www.njpw1972.com/profile/1160|url-status=live}} | birth_place = [Suginami-ku, Tokyo](/source/Suginami), Japan | death_date = {{death date and age|2022|10|12|1985|12|14}} | death_place = | resides = | spouse = | children = | family = | alma_mater = | names = | height = 183cm | weight = 120kg | billed = | trainer = [NJPW Dojo](/source/NJPW_Dojo) | debut = 2015 | retired = 2018 | website = }} {{nihongo|'''Katsuya Kitamura'''|北村 克哉|Kitamura Katsuya|December 14, 1985 – October 12, 2022}} was a Japanese professional wrestler, bodybuilder and an amateur wrestler trained by [New Japan Pro-Wrestling](/source/New_Japan_Pro-Wrestling) (NJPW), where he was the winner of the [2017 Young Lion Cup](/source/2017_Young_Lion_Cup).{{cite news |url=http://wrestlingculture.com/news/njpw/katsuya-kitamura-wins-njpw-young-lion-cup-2017 |title=Katsuya Kitamura Wins the NJPW Young Lion Cup 2017 |publisher=Wrestling Culture |date=December 31, 2017 |accessdate=December 28, 2017 |archive-date=January 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101030607/http://wrestlingculture.com/news/njpw/katsuya-kitamura-wins-njpw-young-lion-cup-2017/ |url-status=usurped }} == Amateur wrestling career == Prior to becoming a [professional wrestler](/source/professional_wrestler), Kitamura was a highly accomplished [amateur wrestler](/source/amateur_wrestler), known for being one of the largest wrestlers in all of Japan. Because of his size and physique, he earned the nickname "Wrestling Monster".{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/4464|title=NJPW's powerful Young Lion Katsuya Kitamura debuts tonight! Tagging with Oka, he faces the deadly G.O.D.!|date=March 13, 2017|accessdate=May 25, 2017|archive-date=April 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416155841/https://www.njpw1972.com/4464|url-status=live}} He attended [Senshu University](/source/Senshu_University), where he was a part of their wrestling team. In 2006, he won the All Japan Wrestling Championship in the 120 kg category, and later on in the same year represented Japan in the World Championships. Throughout his amateur career, Kitamura would go on to win three national championships and represent Japan on a global level twice. As well as amateur wrestling, Kitamura took part in the 2015 [Ganryū-jima](/source/Ganry%C5%AB-jima) fighting tournament, where he defeated a [Mongolia](/source/Mongolia)n [Sumo](/source/Sumo) wrestler. === Steroids and ban === On June 13, 2011, Kitamura was banned from amateur wrestling for two years after testing positive for [anabolic steroids](/source/anabolic_steroids), specifically, the illegal muscle building drug [drostanolone](/source/drostanolone). Kitamura was being tipped as a possible member of Japan's [Olympic](/source/Olympic_Games) wrestling team for the [2012 London Olympic Games](/source/2012_London_Olympic_Games), but the ban ruled him out of participation. He did not appeal against the ban, but said that he ''"took them by accident after buying some supplements from abroad"''.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/doping-wrestling-japan-idUSL3E7HD1Z920110613|title=Doping-Japanese wrestler banned for steroid use|date=June 13, 2017|accessdate=May 11, 2017|newspaper=Reuters|archive-date=April 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406021958/http://www.reuters.com/article/doping-wrestling-japan-idUSL3E7HD1Z920110613|url-status=live}} == Professional wrestling career == Kitamura began training in the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) dojo in 2015. His first match in NJPW was not a traditional professional wrestling match, but rather a [dark](/source/Dark_match) [amateur wrestling](/source/amateur_wrestling) exhibition at [Lion's Gate Project 1](/source/Lion's_Gate_Project_1), where he wrestled fellow trainee [Tomoyuki Oka](/source/Tomoyuki_Oka) to a time limit draw.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=145830|title=NJPW Lion's Gate Project1 « Events Database « Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|accessdate=April 22, 2017}} After undergoing further training, Kitamura wrestled his first ever professional match on September 1, 2016, at [Lion's Gate Project 3](/source/Lion's_Gate_Project_3), another dark match where he and Oka once again wrestled to a draw.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=159894|title=NJPW Lion's Gate Project3 « Events Database « Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|accessdate=April 22, 2017|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402195709/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=159894|url-status=live}} On March 13, 2017, he made his televised debut, teaming with Oka in a loss to the [Guerrillas of Destiny](/source/Guerrillas_of_Destiny) ([Tama Tonga](/source/Tama_Tonga) and [Tanga Loa](/source/Tanga_Loa)). The following day, Kitamura teamed with [Katsuyori Shibata](/source/Katsuyori_Shibata) and [Yuji Nagata](/source/Yuji_Nagata) in a loss to [TenCozy](/source/TenCozy) ([Satoshi Kojima](/source/Satoshi_Kojima) and [Hiroyoshi Tenzan](/source/Hiroyoshi_Tenzan)) and [Juice Robinson](/source/Juice_Robinson).{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=170722|title=NJPW New Japan Cup 2017 – Tag 4 « Events Database « Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|accessdate=April 22, 2017|archive-date=November 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128053717/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=170722|url-status=live}} The day after that, he once again lost to Tonga and Loa, this time teaming with Nagata.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=170812|title=NJPW New Japan Cup 2017 – Tag 5 « Events Database « Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|accessdate=April 22, 2017}} On June 24, 2017, three months after his debut, Kitamura won the first match in his career when he teamed with Tomoyuki Oka to defeat [Manabu Nakanishi](/source/Manabu_Nakanishi) and Tetsuhiro Yagi in a tag match. Kitamura and Oka continued teaming regularly, eventually dubbing their team "Monster Rage".{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/105277|title=ローソンチケット Presents G1 Climax 27|work=[New Japan Pro-Wrestling](/source/New_Japan_Pro-Wrestling)|accessdate=September 24, 2017|language=ja|archive-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924184737/http://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/105277|url-status=live}} At the end of 2017, Kitamura took part in two tournaments held by NJPW; the [2017 World Tag League](/source/2017_World_Tag_League) and the [2017 Young Lion Cup](/source/2017_Young_Lion_Cup). In the World Tag League, Kitamura and fellow young lion [David Finlay](/source/David_Finlay_(wrestler)) finished last in their block after losing all seven of their matches.{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/111996?showResult=1 | title = 鉄拳Presents World Tag League 2017 | accessdate = December 27, 2017 | work = [New Japan Pro-Wrestling](/source/New_Japan_Pro-Wrestling) | language = ja | archive-date = December 9, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171209204058/http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/111996?showResult=1 | url-status = live }} Meanwhile, in the Young Lion Cup, Kitamura emerged victorious after winning all five of his matches.{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/116499?showResult=1 | title = Lion's Gate Project10 | accessdate = December 21, 2017 | work = [New Japan Pro-Wrestling](/source/New_Japan_Pro-Wrestling) | language = ja | archive-date = December 22, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171222050822/http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/116499?showResult=1 | url-status = live }} On January 5 at New Year's Dash, Katsuya began a Seven Trial series of matches where he would face seven different wrestlers. He lost his first of seven matches to [Jay White](/source/Jay_White) at New Year Dash. At [the New Beginning in Sapporo](/source/The_New_Beginning_in_Sapporo_(2018)) he lost his second match of seven to [Michael Elgin](/source/Michael_Elgin) and his third the following day to [Juice Robinson](/source/Juice_Robinson). At the Road to The New Beginning event from [Korakuen Hall](/source/Korakuen_Hall) he lost his fourth match against [Hiroyoshi Tenzan](/source/Hiroyoshi_Tenzan), and the fifth against [Manabu Nakanishi](/source/Manabu_Nakanishi). At [The New Beginning in Osaka](/source/The_New_Beginning_in_Osaka_(2018)) on February 10, he lost match #6 against [Yuji Nagata](/source/Yuji_Nagata). At The New Beginning in Hiroshima he was scheduled to face Manabu Nakanishi, but he suffered a [cerebral concussion](/source/Concussion) and was unable to compete. It was reported that the severity of the injury may force him to retire.{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/74561-katsuya-kitamura-podria-no-volver-a-luchar-tras-una-importante-lesion|title=Katsuya Kitamura podría no volver a luchar tras una importante lesión|date=September 20, 2018|website=solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com|access-date=January 13, 2020|archive-date=January 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113200553/https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/74561-katsuya-kitamura-podria-no-volver-a-luchar-tras-una-importante-lesion|url-status=live}} He later injured his leg in a scooter accident.{{Cite web |last=Pollock |first=John |date=2022-10-14 |title=Katsuya Kitamura, former NJPW Young Lion Cup winner, dies at 36 |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/10/14/katsuya-kitamura-former-njpw-young-lion-cup-winner-dies-at-36/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=POST Wrestling |language=en-US |archive-date=October 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018191437/https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/10/14/katsuya-kitamura-former-njpw-young-lion-cup-winner-dies-at-36/ |url-status=live }} After almost a year with little news or updates on his condition, Kitamura left NJPW on January 31, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BtgEHrpBVBa/|title=katsuya kitamura on Instagram: "私、北村克哉は2019/1/31をもちまして新日本プロレスを退団いたしました。 昨年3月の欠場以来、北村の復帰を願い待っていて下さったファンの皆様には本当に申し訳ない気持ちでいっぱいです。 復帰に向けて自分なりに必死にトレーニングに取り組んで来ました。…"|website=Instagram|accessdate=February 6, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1868396716603201&id=100002986728539|title=北村克哉|website=www.facebook.com|accessdate=February 6, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.solowrestling.com/new/78236-katsuya-kitamura-abandona-njpw|title=Katsuya Kitamura abandona NJPW|last=Solowrestling|date=February 5, 2019|website=www.solowrestling.com|accessdate=February 6, 2019|archive-date=February 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015719/https://www.solowrestling.com/new/78236-katsuya-kitamura-abandona-njpw|url-status=live}} == Mixed martial arts career == Kitamura made his mixed martial arts debut against [Bobby Ologun](/source/Bobby_Ologun) at [Rizin 32](/source/2021_in_Rizin_Fighting_Federation) on November 20, 2021, He lost the bout via rear-naked choke in the second round.{{Cite web|last=Cruz|first=Guilherme|date=November 20, 2021|title=RIZIN 32 videos, results: Rena Kubota stops Miyuu Yamamoto with vicious knee in main event|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/11/20/22792886/rizin-32-videos-results-rena-kubota-miyuu-yamamoto-vicious-knee-main-event|access-date=November 20, 2021|website=MMA Fighting|language=en|archive-date=November 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120114626/https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/11/20/22792886/rizin-32-videos-results-rena-kubota-miyuu-yamamoto-vicious-knee-main-event|url-status=live}} ==Death== Kitamura died on October 12, 2022, at age 36; reportedly, he felt unwell and called an ambulance to take him to a hospital, where his condition rapidly deteriorated.{{cite news |title=元新日本プロレスの北村克哉さんが３６歳で急死 退団後はＲＩＺＩＮでボビー・オロゴンとも対戦 |url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/241911 |access-date=October 14, 2022 |publisher=Tokyo Sports |date=October 14, 2022}} The cause of death was not released publicly. == Championships and accomplishments == === Amateur wrestling === *'''Japan Wrestling Federation''' **All Japan Wrestling Championship in the 120 kg category === Professional wrestling === *'''[New Japan Pro-Wrestling](/source/New_Japan_Pro-Wrestling)''' **[Young Lion Cup](/source/Young_Lion_Cup) ([2017](/source/Young_Lion_Cup)) *'''''[Wrestling Observer Newsletter](/source/Wrestling_Observer_Newsletter)''''' **[Rookie of the Year](/source/List_of_Wrestling_Observer_Newsletter_awards) (2017){{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-radio/wor-2017-wrestling-observer-newsletter-awards-discussion-and-more-253601|title=WOR: 2017 WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER AWARDS DISCUSSION AND MORE!|last=Alvarez|first=Bryan|author-link=Bryan Alvarez|date=March 15, 2018|accessdate=March 15, 2018|work=[Wrestling Observer Newsletter](/source/Wrestling_Observer_Newsletter)|archive-date=March 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315141244/https://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-radio/wor-2017-wrestling-observer-newsletter-awards-discussion-and-more-253601|url-status=live}} ==Mixed martial arts record== {{MMArecordbox |ko-wins= |ko-losses= |sub-wins= |sub-losses=1 |dec-wins= |dec-losses= }} {{MMA record start}} |- |{{no2}}Loss |align=center|0–1 |[Bobby Ologun](/source/Bobby_Ologun) |Submission (rear-naked choke) |[Rizin 32](/source/2021_in_Rizin_Fighting_Federation) |{{dts|2021|November|20|format=mdy}} |align=center|2 |align=center|2:34 |[Okinawa](/source/Okinawa_Prefecture), Japan | |- {{end}} == References == {{reflist}} == External links == * [http://sp.njpw.jp/profile/660 '''Katsuya Kitamura''' on NJPW's official Japanese website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317054547/http://sp.njpw.jp/profile/660 |date=March 17, 2017 }} * [https://www.njpw1972.com/profile/1160 '''Katsuya Kitamura''' on NJPW's official English website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317054923/https://www.njpw1972.com/profile/1160 |date=March 17, 2017 }} * [https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=18197&name=Katsuya+Kitamura '''Katsuya Kitamura''' on cagematch] {{Young Lion Cup}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Kitamura, Katsuya}} Category:1985 births Category:2022 deaths Category:People from Suginami Category:Japanese male sport wrestlers Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers Category:Japanese male mixed martial artists Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing freestyle wrestling Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Greco-Roman wrestling Category:Wrestlers at the 2010 Asian Games Category:Asian Games competitors for Japan Category:Senshu University alumni Category:Young Lion Cup winners --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Katsuya Kitamura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katsuya_Kitamura) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katsuya_Kitamura?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.