|
|
Post by Cap on Feb 5, 2020 8:35:55 GMT -5
Match two of this mini tournament brings two lesser known matches that are considered - in their own circles - to be grappling classics. Given their placement in the 2019 results, the British classic will be quite the underdog here, but I thought it was well worth comparing the two styles. Both matches features some of the most compelling and (to put it very mildly) competent grappling you will see, but stand in stark juxtaposition when it comes to what great grappling can actually look like. Street and breaks represent the 70s blend of fineness and grittiness (a combination I contend is a staple well beyond the European style). It adds to that some real top end character work from both men, but especially from Street. It was the highest rated classic British style match in 2019 if I am not mistaken, but the style didn't fare particularly well in the final count. Tamura vs Han is probably the most well known, universally praised shoot style rivalry. It was where I was advised by many to start my shoot style dive. This was the highest rated of the three matches between the two in the final count of 2019, a compelling chapter in the 3 part story of Tamura testing his mettle against the maestro, Han.
While on the surface this might be a mismatch based on general popularity, reputation, and last year's results, I invite everyone to try to carve out the time to watch/rewatch these together. I'd be really interested in what folks have to say about how the two styles match up against one another.
Round 1 - Match 2
Volk Han vs Kiyoshi Tamura (1/22/1997)
vs
Adrian Street vs Jim Breaks (2/12/1972)
|
|
|
|
Post by Cap on Feb 7, 2020 16:36:00 GMT -5
Man... I just watched these two back to back and I don't know what to vote for. On my current top 100 list I have Street/Breaks like two spots higher. They are so even to me.
I prefer the 90s shoot style overall. It is one of the most well represented genres of wrestling on my list and this is top notch work within that genre. Han and Tamura obviously work so well together in this one, but it doesn't have as much in terms of teeth and urgency as their first match (which I prefer). Tamura I think stands out a bit more here as a character, a younger guy who is increasingly confident in his skills. He is moving with confidence as apposed to urgency, which is all part of their 3 act play. While Breaks and Street sort of pale in comparison if you are looking at this in terms of holds and offense and so on, it is my favorite/my pick for best match of the style. It excels in terms of character work and I think tells a more compelling and discernible story, bell to bell, than Han/Tamura II. This might be a matter of less is more to me. Even though Breaks and Street are doing relatively simple grappling, everything looks good and looks legit. I reserve the right to change my vote, but I am going to go with Street/Breaks by the slimmest of margins.
|
|
|
|
Post by jetlag on Feb 8, 2020 3:40:16 GMT -5
I went with Breaks/Street. That is a match that might just cruise into my Top 5 if I ever sit down and actually make a list. Love Han/Tamura, but I thought the grappling in the British match was about equal and the arm work/flaring of tempers was more intense than almost anything two shootstylists can do. Also, some of the most brilliant character work ever from both guys.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cap on Feb 11, 2020 5:58:49 GMT -5
Bump!
Final call for votes. Next match goes up Tomorrow (Wed 2/12)
|
|
|
|
Post by Cap on Feb 12, 2020 19:47:18 GMT -5
In a surprise victory, Breaks/Street advance over Tamura/Han!
|
|
|
|
Post by microstatistics on Feb 13, 2020 15:52:12 GMT -5
Yeah, a huge upset here. I voted for Breaks/Street but both would be within 10 spots of each other on a final list so it's pretty close. One is arguably the pinnacle of a style while the other is an essential piece of an epic three match story.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cap on Feb 13, 2020 16:05:58 GMT -5
They are just two spots from one another on my list. I am genuinely surprised by this. I wonder if the relatively low voter turnout on this one affected it. Already match 3 has more votes.
|
|
|
|
Post by microstatistics on Feb 13, 2020 16:13:53 GMT -5
More than likely. Han/Tamura started off with a 2-0 lead as well and I remember thinking this was going to be a blowout but things suddenly turned around.
|
|
