Masakatsu Funaki

3.1. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (1985-1989)

Funaki joined the New Japan dojo in March 1984, training alongside future stars such as Keiji Mutoh, Masahiro Chono, Shinya Hashimoto, Minoru Suzuki, Akira Nogami (later known as AKIRA), Ricky Fuji, Keiichi Yamada (better known as Jyushin Thunder Liger), and Chris Benoit. The New Japan dojo was renowned for its physically and mentally grueling training, designed to produce only the most elite wrestlers. Despite the demanding environment, Funaki impressed the trainers with his exceptional athleticism, timing, and innate talent for submission grappling. He quickly formed a strong bond with the dojo's head grappling instructor, Yoshiaki Fujiwara, and fellow high school wrestler Minoru Suzuki.

Funaki made his professional debut as a junior heavyweight on March 3, 1985, at the age of 15 years and 11 months, in a losing effort against three-year veteran Tatsutoshi Goto in a Young Lion Cup match. This set a record for the youngest debut in NJPW at the time, although it was later surpassed by Katsuhiko Nakajima. Despite his talent, Funaki did not receive a significant push in the junior heavyweight division, as NJPW owner Antonio Inoki had shifted the company's focus towards the heavyweight division. He often teamed with Akira Nogami, engaging in memorable bouts against UWF members Yoji Anjo and Tatsuo Nakano, showcasing a fusion of UWF and New Japan styles. Funaki was also the first person to execute the Shooting Star Press against Yamada. In 1986, he began training under Fujiwara, who had returned to NJPW after the first UWF's collapse, serving as his sparring partner before matches. In 1987, he started studying Koppō under Masashi Horibe.

In April 1988, Funaki embarked on a learning excursion to Europe. He competed in the Catch Wrestling Association (CWA) in Austria and Germany from April to December, and in All Star Wrestling (ASW) in England in 1989, where he teamed with Yamada. During this period, Akira Maeda and Shinji Kamidana visited him to gauge his interest in joining a new UWF. Funaki stated that he had already decided to join the new UWF after a farewell party where Nobuhiko Takada and Kazuo Yamazaki informed him of their intentions to revive UWF.

Maeda, frustrated with backstage politics, departed NJPW after a controversial incident where he legitimately kicked Riki Choshu, breaking his eye socket. Funaki, seeing an opportunity to advance his career, decided to follow Maeda. Maeda successfully negotiated the release of Funaki's contract from NJPW, along with those of his friend Minoru Suzuki and mentor Yoshiaki Fujiwara, for an undisclosed sum. Although NJPW attempted to persuade Funaki to stay, reportedly offering him a 10.00 M JPY re-signing bonus and pay comparable to top stars like Tatsumi Fujinami and Riki Choshu, Funaki's desire to join the UWF prevailed, leading to an amicable departure from NJPW.

3.2. Newborn UWF and Pro Wrestling Fujiwara Gumi (1989-1993)

In Newborn UWF, Funaki rapidly ascended to a top position, often portrayed as a rival to Akira Maeda. His debut match for the promotion was against his mentor, Yoshiaki Fujiwara, at the Second UWF's first-anniversary show on May 4, 1989, at Osaka Stadium, where he lost via kneebar. On August 13, 1989, at Yokohama Arena, he faced Nobuhiko Takada. Funaki quickly scored a knockdown with a flurry of palm strikes and knee strikes, but Takada recovered and won with a camel clutch. This match later became notorious for its controversial finish regarding the referee's count. From September 7, 1989, Funaki changed his ring name from his birth name, Masaharu Funaki, to Masakatsu Funaki (船木 誠勝_{Funaki Masakatsu}^Japanese). He was scheduled to fight Maurice Smith at the U-COSMOS event in the Tokyo Dome in November 1989, but Smith fractured his arm during training, and Minoru Suzuki took his place, suffering a decisive loss.

On May 4, 1990, Funaki had his first encounter with Akira Maeda at "UWF THE MEMORIAL" in Nippon Budokan, where he showed impressive striking combinations but ultimately lost to Maeda's rear naked choke. Their second encounter on August 13, 1990, saw Funaki defeat Takada via referee stoppage due to a cut on Takada's eye, marking a de facto knockout victory.

When Newborn UWF dissolved in December 1990, Funaki, along with Fujiwara and Suzuki, joined the newly formed Pro Wrestling Fujiwara Gumi (PWFG). A notable fight for Funaki in PWFG was an exhibition match against four-division boxing world champion Roberto Durán on April 19, 1992, at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Funaki, after being knocked down by a body blow in the second round, recovered to win via armlock in the third. On October 4, 1992, at the Tokyo Dome, he faced WKA World Heavyweight Champion Maurice Smith in another special rules match, resulting in a draw after four rounds, despite Funaki suffering a knockdown.

Driven by a strong desire to pursue a more legitimate and unscripted form of combat sports, Funaki departed PWFG in December 1992. He spent time training intensely with Minoru Suzuki and Yoshiki Takahashi, refusing an offer from K-1 executive Kazuyoshi Ishii to compete in their 1993 Grand Prix tournament, as his focus had entirely shifted to mixed martial arts. This commitment led directly to the establishment of his own organization, Pancrase, aiming for a "true combat" style.

4.1. Pancrase (1993-1999)

Funaki debuted in the main event of Pancrase's inaugural show on September 21, 1993, at Tokyo Bay NK Hall, facing his apprentice and training partner, Ken Shamrock. Despite Funaki's early strikes, Shamrock secured his back, took him down, and submitted him with an arm-triangle choke. This victory launched both men's MMA careers. Funaki secured his first Pancrase win at the next event on October 14, 1993, submitting Ryushi Yanagisawa with a heel hook and then a kneebar in under two minutes. On November 8, he faced Dutch fighter Cees Bezems, who landed illegal closed-fisted punches. Funaki responded by taking him down and submitting him with a top wrist lock; after the tap, Funaki controversially re-applied the hold in an act of retaliation, requiring the referee's intervention. He concluded Pancrase's initial four events with a knockout win over Kazuo Takahashi, overwhelming him with palm strikes and knees to the face.

In 1994, Funaki opened the year against another Dutch martial artist, Bas Rutten. Funaki took Rutten to the ground and attacked his guard. After an accidental illegal strike distracted Rutten, Funaki seized his leg and executed a toehold, forcing a submission. Later that year, on September 1, Funaki avenged his debut loss to Ken Shamrock, submitting him with a rear naked choke just days before Shamrock's participation in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. In December 1994, Funaki competed in the inaugural King of Pancrase tournament. He submitted Todd Bjornethun in the first round with a combination of tomoe nage to mount and an armbar. He then faced Vernon White in a longer bout, utilizing numerous triangle chokes and sweeps to secure a top wrist lock. In the finals, Funaki faced Ken Shamrock for a third time, but despite fending off Shamrock for several minutes, he was mounted and submitted again by an arm-triangle choke, mirroring their first encounter.

In 1995, Funaki avenged his earlier loss to Jason DeLucia by submission. He then faced Frank Shamrock, Ken's adoptive brother and a rising star. Funaki displayed his improved bottom game, defending from his guard and catching Frank in a triangle choke/kimura combination for a rope escape before finishing him with a toehold. His next match was an upset loss to former Shooto fighter Manabu Yamada, who flipped a mount and caught Funaki in a heel hook. Funaki rebounded against Pancrase rookie Guy Mezger in a back-and-forth match, where Mezger dominated with kicks, strikes, and pressure until Funaki clamped an Achilles lock for the win. Funaki's final high-level bout of 1995 was a rematch with Frank Shamrock. Funaki initially mocked Frank and threw a flying spinning heel kick, but was caught in a choke, requiring a rope escape, then reciprocated with a triangle armbar. Funaki gained a points advantage with a rolling toehold but was surprisingly forced to tap out in a leglock exchange, losing the match. In his biography, Frank Shamrock claimed that Funaki intentionally "took a dive" to build Shamrock's popularity.

At the Pancrase 1996 Anniversary Show on September 7, Masakatsu challenged King of Pancrase Bas Rutten in what is considered one of Pancrase's greatest fights. Funaki nearly finished the match early with an ankle lock, but Rutten miraculously escaped. Funaki frequently used knee-on-stomach and mount positions to initiate leglock attacks, but Rutten countered. After Rutten pushed him away, Funaki threw an illegal kick to Rutten, who was on his knees. Rutten then knocked Funaki down with a palm strike and broke his nose with a second. Stunned, Funaki tried to stand, but Rutten capitalized with strikes, knocking him down twice with palms and knees before a final knee to the face downed Funaki.

Funaki won the vacant King of Pancrase Openweight Championship on December 15, 1996, by defeating Jason DeLucia via TKO (leg injury), and later regained the title on December 20, 1997, by submitting Yuki Kondo with an armlock. He lost the title to Yuki Kondo on April 27, 1997, and to Guy Mezger on April 26, 1998. On September 14, 1998, he suffered a KO loss to Semmy Schilt via a body blow. Funaki departed from Pancrase after a win over Tony Petarra in September 1999, reportedly due to accumulated injuries and burnout from Pancrase's demanding schedule.

A significant, tragic event during Funaki's time with Pancrase was the death of fellow Pancrase fighter, Satoshi Hasegawa, on March 1, 1999. Hasegawa fell from a condominium near the dojo and died from traumatic hemorrhagic shock due to fractures. As a leading figure in the organization, Funaki and Pancrase president Masami Ozaki were questioned by authorities regarding the incident. Funaki later stated in an interview that he was not at the scene and learned of the tragedy via a phone call while driving.

4.2. Fight against Rickson Gracie and Retirement (2000)

Despite his body being significantly worn down by a series of injuries, Funaki returned for a highly anticipated fight against the legendary Rickson Gracie at Colosseum 2000, held at the Tokyo Dome on March 26, 2000. The event nearly faced cancellation due to Gracie's last-minute demands to change the rules, specifically making knees and strikes to the head illegal. These issues were ultimately resolved, and the event proceeded with a special ruleset that prohibited elbows and knees to the head, both standing and on the ground, largely accommodating Gracie's requests. The show was broadcast to an audience of 30 M TV Tokyo viewers.

Funaki made a memorable entrance, walking to the ring in traditional samurai attire, complete with a samurai sword, which ignited roaring excitement from the Japanese commentators and crowd. The fight began with Funaki and Gracie clinching in the corner, where Funaki appeared to secure a guillotine choke. As they hit the mat, Funaki released the choke and landed a hammer-fist to Gracie's face before standing up. After exchanging kicks with no significant effect, Gracie landed a well-timed kick that aggravated Funaki's already injured knee. They clinched again, but Funaki's injury hindered his ability to wrestle effectively. Gracie took him down and promptly mounted him, then began to bloody Funaki's face with ground and pound. Gracie eventually forced his way into a rear-naked choke. Funaki, displaying immense resilience, refused to submit to the hold, ultimately passing out before the referee intervened to stop the contest at 12 minutes and 49 seconds of the first round.

Following this definitive defeat, Funaki publicly announced his retirement from mixed martial arts competition, stating, "In martial arts, there is only one chance to win or lose. If you pass out, it's over. I have resolved to cleanly step away." His retirement ceremony took place in Pancrase in late 2000, hosted in his hometown of Aomori. The ceremony was attended by notable figures such as Yoshiaki Fujiwara, Satoru Sayama, Tatsumi Fujinami, Kotetsu Yamamoto, Jyushin Thunder Liger, and Baku Yumemakura, culminating in Funaki being carried aloft by his peers.

4.3. K-1 and DREAM Return (2007-2008)

On December 31, 2007, Masakatsu Funaki made a significant return to active competition after a seven-year retirement, participating in K-1's annual year-end event, K-1 Premium Dynamite!!. He faced Kazushi Sakuraba, who had recently defeated Funaki's apprentice, Katsuyori Shibata. The bout served as the main event, a highly visible platform given the show's large Japanese television viewership. Both fighters had distinctive entrances; Funaki notably entered the ring wearing a long robe and mask patterned after the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri festival.

In the match, Sakuraba capitalized on a missed right cross by Funaki to secure a double-leg takedown. Funaki attempted a kneebar from his closed guard, appearing to briefly secure Sakuraba's leg, but the attempt was thwarted by Sakuraba's grappling expertise and their proximity to the ring ropes. Sakuraba then transitioned to Funaki's back, but the Pancrase founder rolled back into guard. Briefly breaking from grappling, Sakuraba stood and attacked Funaki's legs with kicks, to which Funaki responded with an upkick that caused a cut above Sakuraba's eye. Sakuraba returned to the ground, where Funaki immediately attempted a sweep. Sakuraba blocked the attempt and secured a double wristlock (Kimura), eventually forcing Funaki to submit at 6 minutes and 25 seconds of the first round.

Following this, Funaki signed with Fighting and Entertainment Group's MMA promotion, DREAM. On April 29, 2008, he competed in DREAM's inaugural Middleweight Grand Prix. In the opening round of Dream 2: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 First Round in Saitama, Japan, Funaki faced Kiyoshi Tamura. After a tough initial exchange, Funaki was staggered by a punch and pulled guard on Tamura, who then subjected him to a barrage of punches, leading to a TKO stoppage at just 57 seconds of the first round. This marked Funaki's first TKO loss since September 14, 1998, when he was knocked out by Semmy Schilt. This defeat eliminated him from the Grand Prix.

Despite two consecutive losses since his return, Funaki remained determined to prove his worth in the sport. On September 23, 2008, at Dream 6: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round held at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, Funaki was matched against his former Pancrase student, Ikuhisa Minowa (also known as "Minowaman"). In the opening seconds of the first round, Funaki aggressively initiated with a series of kicks, prompting Minowa to catch one. Funaki immediately capitalized by leaping directly into a heel hook. Minowa initially escaped, but Funaki maintained control of his leg and swiftly transitioned into another heel hook from a cross-body position, forcing his protégé to tap out at 52 seconds of the first round, securing Funaki's first victory since his comeback.

4.4. Fighting Network Rings (2012)

On December 16, 2012, Masakatsu Funaki was scheduled to face Russian fighter Magomedkhan "Volk Han" Amanulayevich Gamzatkhanov in a contest under rules resembling the Pancrase Hybrid Wrestling format for the Fighting Network Rings (RINGS) organization. This fight was designated as Volk Han's retirement match. The bout concluded in a draw after 15 minutes, with the decision being a majority draw. Following the match, Volk Han officially announced his retirement from active competition.

5.1. All Japan Pro Wrestling (2009-2013, 2015-present)

In August 2007, discussions began between Funaki and Keiji Mutoh regarding Funaki's potential return to regular professional wrestling within Mutoh's promotion, All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). On August 31, 2009, Funaki officially signed a one-year contract with All Japan, following a successful tag team victory alongside Mutoh against the formidable team of Minoru Suzuki and Masahiro Chono.

On January 3, 2010, Funaki and Mutoh continued their success by capturing the World Tag Team Championship from Suzuki and Taiyo Kea. On March 21, Funaki notably defeated Suzuki in a heated cage match at All Japan's Sumo Hall event. In April, Funaki made his debut in the Champion Carnival tournament, remaining undefeated in the league phase before advancing to the finals, where he again faced Minoru Suzuki. However, Suzuki secured the victory via sleeper hold, tapping Funaki out to win the tournament for the second consecutive year. On August 30, 2010, Funaki formally became an official member of the All Japan Pro Wrestling roster.

On January 4, 2012, Funaki made a special appearance for New Japan Pro-Wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome. Teaming with Masayuki Kono, they faced Seigigun members Yuji Nagata and Wataru Inoue. During the match, Nagata accidentally struck Funaki's face with a knee, resulting in a fractured orbital bone that sidelined Funaki for an estimated six months. Funaki made his return to the ring on June 17, 2012, at a Korakuen Hall event. On July 29, he avenged his injury by defeating Yuji Nagata in a grudge match to become the number one contender for the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship. On August 26, Funaki achieved a significant milestone by defeating Jun Akiyama in a match lasting under five minutes, becoming the 45th Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion. His reign ended on March 17, 2013, when he lost the title to Suwama.

In June 2013, amidst significant organizational changes, including Nobuo Shiraishi taking over as president and Keiji Mutoh's departure, Funaki announced his resignation from All Japan. His final match for the promotion took place on June 30, where he and his Stack of Arms partners, Koji Kanemoto and Masayuki Kono, who were also leaving, lost to Akebono, Osamu Nishimura, and Ryota Hama in a six-man tag team match.

After transitioning to a freelance career, Funaki made a periodic return to All Japan Pro Wrestling on November 11, 2015, teaming with Kendo Ka Shin to defeat Suwama and Hikaru Sato. Funaki continues to make sporadic appearances in All Japan for tag team matches but has not expressed a strong desire to contend for titles again. During his time in All Japan, he also won the Akiho Yoshizawa Cup in 2010 with Keiji Mutoh and S1 Mask, and the 2009 World's Strongest Tag Determination League with Keiji Mutoh.

5.2. Wrestle-1 (2013-2015)

On July 10, 2013, Masakatsu Funaki was announced as a founding member of Keiji Mutoh's new promotion, Wrestle-1 (W-1). At the promotion's inaugural event on September 8, Funaki teamed with Masayuki Kono in a tag team match, where they were defeated by Katsuyori Shibata and Kazushi Sakuraba. Following the match, Kono dramatically turned on Funaki, assaulting his mentor with a steel chair. This betrayal led to a singles match rematch at Wrestle-1's second show on September 15, which Kono won with assistance from Kazma Sakamoto and Ryoji Sai. Funaki later emerged victorious in a subsequent rematch on October 12.

On March 2, 2014, at Kaisen: Outbreak, Funaki defeated Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) representative Bobby Roode in an interpromotional match, after which he issued a challenge to Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle. On July 6, Funaki achieved another championship milestone by defeating Pro Wrestling Zero1 (Zero1) representative Kohei Sato to win the World Heavyweight Championship. He held the title for over two months, eventually losing it back to Sato on September 19.

Three days later, Funaki entered the inaugural Wrestle-1 Championship tournament, defeating Yoshihiro Tajiri in his first-round match on September 22, and then Akira on September 23 to advance to the semifinals. In a storyline twist, his former rival Tajiri began to assist him in preparation for his matches, but on October 8, Tajiri betrayed Funaki during his semifinal match against Masayuki Kono, leading to Funaki's elimination from the tournament. In June 2015, it was announced that Funaki would be departing Wrestle-1 and returning to a freelance schedule after his contract expired at the end of the month. His final match for the promotion took place on June 20.

5.3. Freelancing (2015-present)

Masakatsu Funaki wrestled his first match as a freelancer on August 18, 2015, at a Masahito Kakihara cancer benefit show, where he and Minoru Suzuki defeated Mitsuya Nagai and Takaku Fuke. On September 18, Funaki won his first title as a freelancer, defeating Super Tiger of Real Japan Pro Wrestling (RJPW) to win the Legend Championship. He lost the title to Daisuke Sekimoto on December 9, 2015, but regained it on June 23, 2016. However, he lost the Legend Championship again on September 10, 2016, to Shinjiro Otani.

On January 9, 2017, Funaki, teaming with Yukio Sakaguchi, defeated Konosuke Takeshita and Mike Bailey at a DDT Pro-Wrestling (DDT) event to win the promotion's KO-D Tag Team Championship. They held the titles for nearly four months before losing them to Danshoku Dino and Yoshihiro Takayama on April 29, 2017. In August 2017, Funaki joined Shochiku Geino, a Japanese talent agency, and announced his move to Osaka, where he opened a personal training gym called "Hybrid Fitness" in 2015.

On August 30, 2020, Funaki participated in a Pro Wrestling Noah event in Kawasaki and joined the faction M's alliance. On November 22, he teamed with Naomichi Marufuji to challenge Takashi Sugiura and Kazushi Sakuraba for the GHC Tag Team Championship, but they were unsuccessful. On January 22, 2022, Funaki challenged Kenoh for the GHC National Championship and emerged victorious, capturing the title. Following his win, he made a surprising announcement, declaring his decision to join the rival faction Kongo, despite protests from Marufuji and Masaaki Mochizuki. This move was accompanied by a change in his wrestling attire to red. On June 22, 2024, Funaki competed at "Bloodsport Bushido" against Davey Boy Smith Jr., winning with an Ankle lock.

6.1. Striking Techniques

Funaki's striking repertoire is noted for its cutting-edge precision and effectiveness:

• Palm Strike (掌底_shōtei^Japanese or 掌打_shōda^Japanese): A signature technique learned during his Koppō training in NJPW. It utilizes the hardest part of the palm, combined with his boxing training. In Newborn UWF, this strike was devastating, causing bleeding and referee stoppages against opponents like Nobuhiko Takada and Kazuo Yamazaki. Even kickboxing world champion Maurice Smith acknowledged the severity of Funaki's palm strikes. In his later professional wrestling career, he continues to use palm strikes extensively, from initiating offense to delivering final flurries.
• Backhand Blow (裏拳_uraken^Japanese): Often used in combination with kicks or as a feint.
• Body Blows: Frequently utilized with palm strike combinations during the Newborn UWF era.
• Various Kicks: Funaki employs a range of kicks, including low kicks, middle kicks, and high kicks. His high kick has served as a finishing move in his later wrestling career, often linked with a flurry of palm strikes. He also utilizes a deceptive left high kick with an unconventional form.
• Spinning Back Kick (逆回し蹴り_{gyaku mawashi geri}^Japanese or ソバット_sobat^Japanese): Executed by rotating his body clockwise and striking with the right leg. Used to break an opponent's guard or as a counter against charging opponents.
• Abise Geri (浴びせ蹴り_{abise geri}^Japanese): A Koppō kick where Funaki rolls forward and strikes the opponent with his heel. While less effective in MMA, he uses it in professional wrestling for surprise attacks or as a cut-off in tag team matches.

6.2. Throwing Techniques

Funaki's throwing techniques are a testament to his hybrid style:

• Double arm suplex: A move inherited from his mentor, Yoshiaki Fujiwara, though Funaki's version is distinctively "low and fast."
• Reverse Water Wheel Drop (逆水車落とし_{gyaku suisha otoshi}^Japanese): An adaptation of a double leg takedown from amateur wrestling. Funaki lifts his opponent and then performs a forward roll, slamming them in a manner similar to a spinebuster.
• Kan Nuki Suplex (閂スープレックス_{kan nuki sūpurekkusu}^Japanese): A rare, almost "phantom" move used only for a brief period in Fujiwara Gumi. It involves gripping both of the opponent's arms and arching backward for a suplex.
• Backdrop: Like many UWF-style wrestlers, Funaki executes a low and fast version of the backdrop that involves pulling the opponent backward. It occasionally served as a finishing move upon his return to professional wrestling.
• Hybrid Blaster (ハイブリッド・ブラスター_{Haiburiddo Burasutā}^Japanese): Funaki's primary finishing move in his current professional wrestling career. It's a modified tombstone piledriver where the opponent's left arm is secured in a hammerlock. It is often set up after knocking an opponent down with a high kick, followed by a chickenwing facelock. The name was chosen through a public contest in 2012, when he debuted the move after returning from injury.

6.3. Submission and Joint Locks

Funaki is highly proficient in a wide range of submission holds and joint locks:

• Sleeper hold / Rear naked choke (裸絞め_{hadaka jime}^Japanese): A quintessential finishing move during his Pancrase career.
• Arm-triangle choke (肩固め_{kata gatame}^Japanese)
• Chickenwing facelock (チキンウィングフェイスロック_{chikin wingu feisu rokku}^Japanese): A facial crank that also traps the opponent's arm. It was a finishing move upon his return to professional wrestling and now often serves as a setup for the Hybrid Blaster.
• Various Armlocks: Funaki employs a diverse range of armlocks.
• Straight armbar (ストレートアームバー_{sutorēto āmubā}^Japanese): Derived from Koppō's "Ude-garami Ude-ori" (arm entanglement/arm breaking).
• Triangle Armbar (腕挫三角固_{ude hishigi sankaku gatame}^Japanese or 横三角締め_{yoko sankaku jime}^Japanese): A compound submission taught to him by Katsuyori Shibata, which involves trapping the opponent's arm while cinching their neck with a scissor-like leg hold.
• Ankle lock (アンクルホールド_{ankuru hōrudo}^Japanese): Funaki was credited with introducing this move to Japan in 1988, having learned it from Mile Tsukino during his European excursion. It became a primary leg submission for him in Pancrase after the heel hook was banned. It was also taught to Ken Shamrock, who later used it as a finishing move in WWE.
• Heel hook (ヒールホールド_{hīru hōrudo}^Japanese): A highly effective leg lock that Funaki largely "sealed" (stopped using) in Pancrase after 1995 due to a high incidence of knee ligament injuries to opponents, which led to the move being banned under Pancrase rules.
• Cross Heel Hook (クロスヒールホールド_{kurosu hīru hōrudo}^Japanese): A leg lock derived from Sambo where both of the opponent's legs are crossed in an X-shape. While Funaki attempted it a few times in Pancrase, it was less common than the ankle lock. Upon his return to professional wrestling, he uses it more frequently, sometimes as a finishing move.

6.4. Aerial Techniques

Funaki's use of aerial techniques is limited but notable, often deployed with a strategic intent:

• Corner Dropkick (串刺しドロップキック_{kushi sashi doroppukikku}^Japanese): As a young lion in NJPW, Funaki was known for his high-impact dropkick. He developed this "impaling" version to counter UWF-style opponents who would not rebound off the ropes. It involves launching a dropkick into an opponent pinned in the corner.
• Missile Kick: This move carries a "bitter memory" for Funaki, as its accidental use led to a disqualification loss against Bob Backlund in Newborn UWF.
• Funaki has also attempted, but often aborted, moves like the Plancha and Tope suicida in his later career. These are often seen as feints, contributing to the psychological aspect of his matches rather than being fully executed high-flying maneuvers.

8.1. Writings

Funaki has authored several books that delve into his philosophy on training, combat, and life, most notably the "Hybrid Body Remodeling Method" series, which outlines his unique physical conditioning and dietary approaches derived from his extensive experience in combat sports.

• Funaki Masakatsu no Hybrid Nikutai Kaizōhō (船木誠勝のハイブリッド肉体改造法_{Funaki Masakatsu no Haiburiddo Nikutai Kaizōhō}^Japanese, Baseball Magazine Sha, July 1996)
  • This first volume focused on serious strength training and practical Pancrase training methods based on his own experience. It addressed misconceptions about physical remodeling and presented training guidelines for aspiring martial artists.
• Perfect! Hybrid Nikutai Kaizōhō II (パーフェクト!ハイブリッド肉体改造法Ⅱ_{Pāfekuto! Haiburiddo Nikutai Kaizōhō Tsū}^Japanese, Baseball Magazine Sha, December 1999)
  • This second volume was aimed at the general public, providing comprehensive guidance on aerobic exercise and fundamental strength training to build a functional body for daily life.
• Diet Muyō! Perfect! Hybrid Nikutai Kaizōhō III (ダイエット無用!パーフェクト!ハイブリッド肉体改造法Ⅲ_{Daietto Muyō! Pāfekuto! Haiburiddo Nikutai Kaizōhō Surī}^Japanese, Baseball Magazine Sha, July 2005)
  • The third volume was tailored for men who wanted to diet but lacked time, offering short-duration strength training routines without aerobic exercise to boost basal metabolism and build a muscular physique.
• Funaki Masakatsu no Kakutō Seisho (船木誠勝の格斗誠書_{Funaki Masakatsu no Kakutō Seisho}^Japanese, Baseball Magazine Sha, September 1998)
• Funaki Masakatsu Real Goshinjutsu (船木誠勝リアル護身術_{Funaki Masakatsu Riaru Goshinjutsu}^Japanese, Oizumi Shoten, November 2000)
• Ashita Mata Ikiru. (明日また生きろ。_{Ashita Mata Ikiru.}^Japanese, Mandarake, December 2000)
• Funaki Masakatsu Real Kakutōjutsu (船木誠勝リアル格闘術_{Funaki Masakatsu Riaru Kakutōjutsu}^Japanese, Oizumi Shoten, July 2001)
• Funaki Masakatsu no Shinjitsu (船木誠勝の真実_{Funaki Masakatsu no Shinjitsu}^Japanese, Enterbrain, September 2003)
• Funaki Masakatsu Hybrid Yoga (船木誠勝 ハイブリッド・ヨガ_{Funaki Masakatsu Haiburiddo Yoga}^Japanese, Takarajimasha, May 2006)
• Funaki Masakatsu-ryū Real Body Kaizōjutsu (船木誠勝流リアルボディ改造術_{Funaki Masakatsu-ryū Riaru Bodi Kaizōjutsu}^Japanese, Takarajimasha, March 2007)

Additionally, several books have been written about Funaki's life and career by other authors:

• Straight Funaki Masakatsu Monogatari 1969-1992 (ストレィト 船木誠勝物語 1969-1992_{Sutoreito Funaki Masakatsu Monogatari 1969-1992}^Japanese, written by Tōru Sasaki, Natsume-sha, November 1991)
• BRAIN Funaki Masakatsu (BRAIN 船木誠勝_{BRAIN Funaki Masakatsu}^Japanese, written by "Show" Ōtani Yasuaki, Media Works, May 2000)
• Funaki Masakatsu Kaito (船木誠勝 海人_{Funaki Masakatsu Kaito}^Japanese, written by Hiroaki Yasuda, Baseball Magazine Sha, July 2000)
• First Step Funaki Masakatsu (First Step船木誠勝_{Fāsuto Suteppu Funaki Masakatsu}^Japanese, written by Ken Sasaki, Sanctuary Publishing, October 2000)
• REAL HEART Funaki Masakatsu (REAL HEART船木誠勝_{REAL HEART Funaki Masakatsu}^Japanese, written by "Show" Ōtani Yasuaki, Futami Shobo, January 2001)

8.2. Filmography

Masakatsu Funaki has an extensive filmography across various media, including voice acting, feature films, direct-to-video productions, and television.

9.1. Mixed Martial Arts

• Pancrase Hybrid Wrestling
  • King of Pancrase (2 times)
  • 1996 King of Pancrase Championship Tournament Winner
  • 1994 King of Pancrase Championship Tournament Semifinalist
• Sherdog.com
  • #1 mixed martial artist in the world (1996, 1997)
  • Top 4 pound for pound fighter (1993-1998)

9.2. Professional Wrestling

• All Japan Pro Wrestling
  • Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • World Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Keiji Mutoh
  • Akiho Yoshizawa Cup (2010) - with Keiji Mutoh and S1 Mask
  • World's Strongest Tag Determination League (2009) - with Keiji Mutoh
• Chō Hanabi Puroresu
  • Bakuha-ō Championship (1 time)
• DDT Pro-Wrestling
  • KO-D Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Yukio Sakaguchi
• Dradition Pro Wrestling
  • Dragon Cup (2023) - with LEONA
• Nikkan Sports
  • Match of the Year Award (2010) - vs. Minoru Suzuki on March 21
  • Best Tag Team Award (2009) - with Keiji Mutoh
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • Ranked No. 65 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2013
  • Ranked No. 251 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the "PWI Years" in 2003
• Pro Wrestling Noah
  • GHC National Championship (1 time)
• Pro Wrestling Zero1
  • World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• Real Japan Pro Wrestling
  • Legend Championship (3 times)
• Tokyo Sports
  • Fighting Spirit Award (1990)
  • Service Award (2000)
  • Technique Award (1993)
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • Hall of Fame (Class of 2006)

10.1. Mixed Martial Arts Record

10.2. Professional Wrestling Record (UWF-style)

10.3. Exhibition and Special Rules Match Record