Thank you for your help.This is Sobatsubu. Martins, Romark and Tamotsu Thank you very much for performing with me. The quality of the video is amazing and I'm impressed! Everyone from all over the world, please come and challenge Japan's wonderful power stone.Chikaraishih is always waiting for a strong man who thinks I am the one!!
you're lifting was very impressive! as a man who has spent thousands of hours lifting weights, i was shocked when i started trying to lift natural stones. they can be much heavier than they appear, awkward shapes, and like you said, they require the whole body working together well. many bodybuilder types who might bench press more than you, would fail to repeat your stone lifts. i was one of them once. respect to you for your real strength and for helping keep this great tradition and cultural history alive.
@@andrewstephens8790 I'm sorry for being late. I'm glad to hear your valuable and helpful comments. I think that the body that can lift natural stones is strong enough to cope with various things. Many Japanese don't understand the essence of lifting stones, saying they are dangerous or hurt their back. That is a very disappointing and wasteful thing. You can't get real strength if you train only at the gym. I hope that the essence, meaning and tradition of chikaraishi will continue to be communicated to as many people as possible. Thank you!
@@jespermeisel9799 Sorry I'm late. I really want you to try the Japanese chikaraishi and feel the strength of ancient Japanese! I hope Japanese chikaraishi will spread in Sweden and the Philippines too!
Thank you for letting me help out on your adventure and for being such great friends. ♡ May we have many more adventures together in the future! そしてこの動画と次の動画が、日本の力文化の普及に役立ちますよ～に！！🙏
Bro, you have that Jiri Prochazca look going on. LHW world champion in MMA. Known as the Czech Samurai! A real bad ass who was heavily influenced by the 5 Rings and samurai culture.
Martins, you are an international treasure. Please guys, you, Romark and the whole team - I wish you all the best of success and really hope you continue this series after you finish your return to active competition in 2024
You, Romark and everyone involved truly found a new level of quality making this video. I like that it was almost half an hour. Stories like these truly deserve this. Thanl you and keep up the good work ❤
@@historynerd1977 Fair play. I assumed some modern Japanese strongmen had lifted it and broke the record since then. If it's really that longstanding, then yeah all good.
The professor is a treasure. His stories of the history are funny and informative and I wish there were a longer interview with him and the other guys as well. It could be a full length documentary or series just on these stones. Great work as always.
保(たもつ)さんからMartin's さんのTH-camを教えて戴きました。 日本滞在中、保さんと日本中を取材していたのですね。 相撲部屋で廻しを着けて四股(しこ)を踏んでいたのにはビックリ。日本人の私も知らないことばかり。素晴らしい動画をありがとう👏👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Mr. Tamotsu taught me about Martin's TH-cam. While you were in Japan, you and Tamotsu covered the country. I was surprised to see him wearing a mawashi and stepping on the shiko in the sumo stable. As a Japanese person, there are many things I don't know. thank you for the great video
Hi, I'm Latvian and i am proud to say to you that you are not only ordinary human being but you are strong men - Spēka Mitriķis! - in our old Latvian language. Respect to You and work that you have done. Nobody has done something similar like You. I really respect, how you can make all cultures unite all-around the world. You are phenomenal. I wish you best of luck and never stop doing what your heart desires.
The Strength Unknown series is truly special. Thank you for cultivating and showcasing a thoughtful and spiritual side of strength sports! I look forward to every episode.
Another masterpiece on this channel. These videos are beyond everything, just wow. It gave me the will to travel to lift stones in differents countries and learn their history. I am currently planinng the first trip for 2024, starting with Scotland. Thank you guys deeply for the inspiration...
This made me emotional I think it's because we call rocks grandfathers in Ojibwe native American tradition or mishomis. Mishomis has seen and been thru everything and will still be here long after everything and everyone around us ceases to exist, grandfathers and mountains shall remain. You can tell he was getting that ancient energy when lifting the stones, I'm motivated to lift some grandfathers now and carrying them uphill for an amazing workout connecting with nature at the same time.
I am so impressed by you guys. Wonderful shots, amazing audio, and wtf Martins your Japanese is unbelievable! I lived in Japan for 2 years and have been a fan of strongman since I was a little kid and saw WSM on tv, and I had no idea Japan had a stone culture like this! This episode was special. Thanks guys.
I live in japan but this is the first time i heard about chikara ishi. Thank you for sharing this ancient tradition with us. Feels good to learn something new today
That was nice to "tie the record". Keeps the record in Japan, something the guy seemed proud of. Also that new stone-shouldering technique on display! Looks impressive.
This just showed up randomly in my youtube feed. And it is really really interesting to watch. I just have to check out the rest of this channel next. I love watching cultural stuff like this. Didn't think I would ever be so entranced by a video about lifting stuff, but here I am.
this is SOOOOO GOOD. so much history condensed here. the historian is doing such an amazing job. martins also did a great job speaking japanese and connecting even better to the locals. i really love how the stones were named after the men who lifted them. it is amazing
It brings up many questions doesn't it? This series is very versatile indeed. This episode leaves me wanting more.. it also makes me look up a lot on the interwebs, to answer those questions that come up while watching this episode.Beautifully done. (2nd time watching this episode,.. 2nd day knowing about this channel... not japanese... not into strongman... however, very impressed entertained and educated.)
Another amazing video in the Strength Unknown series. Very engaging and had me sucked in where 30m passed in a blink. Would love longer episodes! Your voice overs are great as well.
This is truly one of the best strength series! Adding to the known history of strength and sharing from all corners of the world! Martins and Romark you have something amazing and special here, thank you for sharing!!
I love this series. I was myself in Japan for 1 Year, next time I make sure to visit the stones. Kudos on you Martins and your team for this great production
Martins, your work on strength documentaries is incredible! You and your team are able to capture the essence of strength culture and philosophy around the world AND bring a top-level scenic capture paired with your unexpectedly deep narration. Thank you for your time and dedication. I am sure people in NatGeo/Discovery/History channels, and James Cameron himself are of the same opinion if they would have seen your work.
Hold up, Martins speaks Japanese too!?! What an impressive pairing you and Romark have made. Seriously impressed by this series and can’t wait for MARTINS return to strongman in 2024 in which I impinge he’ll be Wrecking the competition 👊 🪨 15:1217:55 p.s. Can’t wait to see Martins vs The Moose.
This and his team just never fails to amaze me for every single content! You guys have no idea how long I've waited for your uploads. Much love from the Philippines brothers!
Such an awesome episode! It's one that you'd wish was longer even just to learn more about the history of the stone lifting in Japan. Listening to the professor and other guys talking about the history of the stones feel like it could be made into a 2hr long documentary and I'd watch every second! Keep up the awesome content and I cant wait for the next episode!
Awesome to see more strongmen get involved with sumo and strength-related pursuits in Japan. Well done on bringing some of this to light - it'd be awesome to see that map come to life, and noting which stones are still liftable (with proper permission of course).
I don't know your channel nor your work and did not know anything about Chikara Ishi either. I stumble by chance of yt recommandations on the Sumo video that mentioned this one so watched this one first. It was a very cool video, nicely done, approaching the subject from different perspectives and, as it felt from watching, with respect for the stones, the people and the tradition. Thanks for sharing!
An incredible and informative episode about something I had never heard of! When I finally visit Japan I hope to stop by and see some of these stones in person! Thank you!
Thank you for all you are doing for stone culture. If you're not already aware of him check out Ireland's David Keohan, or Indiana Stones. The stone culture there was almost truly lost due to British colonialism (still rule britania tho, red white and blue og ftw baby) and he's brought it back by researching the old stories and legends.
Bruh this whole video is making me tear up. Generations of men with a passion of lifting heavy things. Ive never felt such a strong bond with past generations of men i never met. I want to participate one day. Im a meager 72kg but i will make it
Super excited to see this video. Lived in Japan for many years and been a strongman fan for decades and never knew Japan had a history lifting stones. Amazing job Martins. Also impressed hearing Martins Nihingo Loved it. Pleaseeeee i hope you have a whole sumo video like the ending
I would have to say my strength lies more between my ears than in my physical. And I don't really watch nor have any real interest in strongman, BUT you don't show what most, at least myself, have thought of strongman. The side of "strength" that you show and the WAY you show it has me and keeps me inthralled! You are a phenomenal storyteller telling stories of cultures and history and it is absolute intellectually stimulating and I'm looking forward to the next weighty adventure!!
You are not only rediscovering these places around the world, you are also like an ambassador for strongman. We'll see some people you inspired in strongman in the years to come.
I am moved and inspired by this rich history and culture. You have my biggest thanks and gratitude to share such an amazing piece of art in the form of the free video. You (and Romark ofc) are worthy of all your success to come in life.
Congratulation guys, your series is astonishing, great production value and great mentality in aproaching different cultures. Always a pleasure to fallow your travels.
I think this has been my favourite strength unknown just for the passion and the sacredness of it to Japan absolutely amazing yet another amazing episode. Thank you all.
Unbelievable history and culture of Japan, with Martins there lifting big stones and eating chanko with the sumo's, what a top edition of "Strength Unknown" - It looks like these "tests of strength" are UNIVERSAL, and in particular with people living in and around those "Northern Temperate Zones" - could it be possible - A BAND OF GIANTS FROM THE ANCIENT TIME'S, TRAVELED AROUND THE GLOBE, LIFTING BIG STONES, AND EATING SUMO STEW, BUILDING CASTLES, BUILDING BRIDGES, BUILDING TEMPLES & FORTRESSES, ALL WHILE LIFTING BIG STONES? Good job by Martins, lifting the Ozeki stone (143 kgs) no easy feat for normal people, but for the behemoth who must weigh between 150-160 kgs, it's doable for the big unit. What an incredible story by the boys, and also the temple "priest" and the "history professors", these cultural stories cannot be lost, in fact, they have to be preserved, even promoted and expanded, into a more modern format. Japan has the perfect mix between the Old Culture, and the Modern Culture, they blend both the historic and the modern into a powerful mix, their culture evolving from ancient times, completely separated from the Asian Mainland. The Japanese Islands a natural wonderland, a paradise that was isolated (voluntarily) from China, the Ming, the Ching, and the Mongolian Hordes, "they did it their own way", they evolved into a warlike society, which lamentably had them clashing for several centuries, with the famous "Samurai Wars", the various Daiymo's at War with each other, becoming a major part of Japan's history, but that did not stop the Japanese from having a very sophisticated culture in many ways. They have the Islands, they have the natural landscapes, they have the distinct 4 seasons, they have the culture and the people, that make Japan a special place, and even though Japan is in the Far East, physically, geographically part of Asia, Japan is also part of Our Western World, all can be easily deciphered through their "political leanings", their history, their military and martial history, their strength & fighting sports - they hate Communism & Totalitarianism, JUST LIKE US. The Sumo School visit by Martins should be a good one, with him easily having the physique, body-shape, body-type, the absolute "right weight" for Professional Sumo (most of the best Sumo's of the last 20-30 years have been around that 150-160 kg mark) and the Professional Strongman Martins, would have a definitive strength advantage over the Sumo's (Rikishi, also a stone-lifting term in Japan) while his "technique" would not be in their 10-15 years of training, big beefy, boofy blokes, from the Western Nations, could easily PICK-UP SUMO, AS EASILY AS PICKING-UP STONES. .............................................................................................................................................................................................. Note: I have previously mentioned the possibility of creating "WESTERN SUMO" - perhaps to differentiate from the traditional Japanese Sumo, but always paying respect to the Original Sumo, with the "Rikishi Sash" lost to history, the Westerners using some type of "HEAVY-DUTY SHORTS" made of very strong materials, the "RING" could also be changed a little, maybe making it "SQUARE", exactly the dimensions of the "outside square" of the traditional Sumo Ring, and the "Western Sumo's" could come out to Music, they can have their own "style's of shorts, colors, music, masks, fanfare" maybe a bit like Rock 'n' Roll Wrestling, except the Wrestling is for real, and the Fighting is Authentic, another type of change, could be having the "Ring" - all one height, to avoid potential injuries, for the big boys of W.S. .................................................................................................................................................................................................. I personally have many "ideas" about this new Western Sumo.The possibility of having some of the biggest & strongest blokes face-off against each other, would be a smash-hit, and those "big blokes" some of whom play sports like NFL, Rugby, Strength Games, Wrestling, etc. - Those big units, would have "another avenue of income" available, where they could even "retire" from Football or Strongman events, and then just "transition" into Western Sumo, smashing their way through "the opposition" - and potentially make millions from "small time investments" - as some of the Sumo bouts last minimal time, while other times it could last longer. The other "apparel change" that could make it more interesting, is the addition of "braces" - giving them more "leverage", those with grip strength & explosive power preferring the "braces" ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... *Rules Book: No attacking the head of the opponent in "Western Sumo" - as these guys are of incredible strength & power, the head should be avoided in the "Initial Impact" (II) perhaps "no open palms to the face" as well, unlike some of the Japanese Sumo bouts, the other thing would be "Weight Divisions" starting with only "OPEN WEIGHT" - the big boys of 100-150+ kgs, later starting weight divisions like under-110, under-100, & under-90.
I fell in love with a Japanese woman in Japan after covid. Its my favorite culture on earth and the people are amazing. I wasn't aware of stone lifting in Japan, but I suggest anyone who travels there to enjoy sumo, their amazing athletes
Well... I guess I have to add a japan stone tour to my bucket list! And what a great Video from you guys! You have the highest quality of videos of all strength content out there!
Great vid! I think you really respected their culture and tradition as well as a really great and fitting music background. This quality is fitting to a Netflix documentary with an extremely large budget. I'm really impressed with this work! :)
Great video. It was a side of Japan I never knew about. My adult children are half Japanese. It will be shared to them. Thank you coming from a fan and someone who trained heavy for many years. Strength is a path to enlightenment.
You guys are truly something special and I hope the bigger studies finally take notice and we get to see this and future productions reach a grander audience!
❤❤❤ this was another fascinating strength unknown video! I can’t wait to watch the sumo video. (May I request the subtitles are slightly larger and not white as they were difficult to see well - thanks) ❤❤❤
Just wanted to say you guys are doing an amazing job with these videos! They are so good and entertaining! I honestly think this is one of the best series on TH-cam! Keep up the amazing job Martins!! Can’t wait for next episode! 👍 ❤
i dont understand why your content isnt bigger,its so well made,im sure it will blow up sooner or later as more people stumble on it,mine was the lu xiaojun vid. perhaps its because its not so called as hyper or fast paced which is what young people like watchingt,but i really do enjoy this form of content which i dont see as much of on the platform anymore
I loved the story of putting the stone in front of one's house upon lifting it, then coming to find it gone one day because someone else had lifted it. Imagine knowing a young man who was trying his best to lift such a stone for some time, then passing by his home one day to see the stone sitting there. Community pride!
Of all the videos you've done, and I have enjoyed them all, This one was by far my favorite, My father lived for two years in Japan during the Korean Conflict and always talked about how special Japan and the people were. I have always wanted to go there. I have followed the martial arts, the samurai, and was surprised to learn of Chikara Ishi. Great video.
That was fantastic! I love the story about the competing villagers just lifting the stone and carrying it back home to prove they were the strongest haha!
every time i watch you i cry out of joy because you show me these cultures that make me feel like I am not alone your video of china prevented me from taking my life it gave me a purpose to live for thanks marti
Absolutely fantastic episode, but can't say enough how excited I am for the sumo episode. I've been following it for about 15 years, and am so glad you were able to dive into its particular style of strength!
Amazing vid! This is definitely cool, hope it becomes bigger in japan. Would love to see that as a ground for strongmen competing in stones. Also, the place is amazing, would be cool to see it blossom.
the qualities of your videos did really skyrocket. the strength unknown series is amazing. looking forward when u come to Austria for our Stonelifting.
Great job, as always. Super interesting to see the culture of strongman and how the modernization of japan made it disappear. I think it's important for Strongman to understand its roots and why it shouldn't be like a powerlifting meet.
Man imagine the guy who lifted the 180kg stone 200 years ago... wasnt easy for Martins and hes fully juiced. Back then there werent any Steroids around... Must have been a MASSIVE human.
Beautiful video. When I visited Japan I was impressed by so many things but the nearly seamless blending of the ancient and new in the towns and cities was always what got me the most.
Martins, I'm so thankful that you're traveling and highlighting all these amazing people and places, lifting styles and history. Your curiosity, kindness and spirit shine through in each new video. Can't wait to see where Strength Unknown takes us next.
Huge respect,Martins.Not only for exploring different cultures and learning languages,but you are respectful and nice man.
Thank you for your help.This is Sobatsubu.
Martins, Romark and Tamotsu
Thank you very much for performing with me.
The quality of the video is amazing and I'm impressed!
Everyone from all over the world, please come and challenge Japan's wonderful power stone.Chikaraishih is always waiting for a strong man who thinks I am the one!!
you're lifting was very impressive! as a man who has spent thousands of hours lifting weights, i was shocked when i started trying to lift natural stones. they can be much heavier than they appear, awkward shapes, and like you said, they require the whole body working together well. many bodybuilder types who might bench press more than you, would fail to repeat your stone lifts. i was one of them once. respect to you for your real strength and for helping keep this great tradition and cultural history alive.
if i ever visit, i will give it a try, i will represent Sweden and Philippines!
@@andrewstephens8790
I'm sorry for being late.
I'm glad to hear your valuable and helpful comments.
I think that the body that can lift natural stones is strong enough to cope with various things.
Many Japanese don't understand the essence of lifting stones, saying they are dangerous or hurt their back.
That is a very disappointing and wasteful thing.
You can't get real strength if you train only at the gym.
I hope that the essence, meaning and tradition of chikaraishi will continue to be communicated to as many people as possible.
Thank you!
@@jespermeisel9799
Sorry I'm late.
I really want you to try the Japanese chikaraishi and feel the strength of ancient Japanese!
I hope Japanese chikaraishi will spread in Sweden and the Philippines too!
@@A-ef3xj
It's nothing special, but thank you very much.
This comment makes me very happy!
I will continue to do my best!
Thank you for letting me help out on your adventure and for being such great friends. ♡
May we have many more adventures together in the future!
そしてこの動画と次の動画が、日本の力文化の普及に役立ちますよ～に！！🙏
Thank you for everything!
保さん、マーティンズさんといつの間に、こんな素晴らしい取材をしていたのですか？！とても感動しました😍心から感謝🙏
@@ピッピ-i6r 実はこれがマーティンズの主な目的でした！(笑)
撮影終わってから全国回って遊びまくってたけど、元々はドキュメンタリーのために来日しました！
12月3日公開の第二話は相撲部屋密着です！
It was the best trip of my life 🥹 Thank you for all the help ❤️💪
Bro, you have that Jiri Prochazca look going on. LHW world champion in MMA. Known as the Czech Samurai! A real bad ass who was heavily influenced by the 5 Rings and samurai culture.
Thank you guys so much for supporting! Share with your family and friends! 😊
And remember, you guys are strength!
Martins, you are an international treasure. Please guys, you, Romark and the whole team - I wish you all the best of success and really hope you continue this series after you finish your return to active competition in 2024
You, Romark and everyone involved truly found a new level of quality making this video. I like that it was almost half an hour. Stories like these truly deserve this. Thanl you and keep up the good work ❤
Thank you Mark!
Be careful binging One Piece! Good luck!
If there were an Emmy for YT series, you guys should win it. Your narration is pure poetry as well....
What a legend for not breaking the Yokozuna Stone record, tieing it was very respectful as it looked like he definitely could've broken it.
Especially since we don't know to what extent the PEDs are responsible
@@adam_nykali you think they don't have PED's in Japan?
@@misterringer Not in 1800s when is was actually lifted. Thats why its respectful.
@@historynerd1977 Fair play. I assumed some modern Japanese strongmen had lifted it and broke the record since then. If it's really that longstanding, then yeah all good.
Jfc, yall can't just let a statement ride. Everyone has to say "akshually🤓🤡"
日本の、力文化の歴史、今を教えてくれてありがとう！日本に住んでいながら、色々なことを考えさせられました☺️
The professor is a treasure. His stories of the history are funny and informative and I wish there were a longer interview with him and the other guys as well. It could be a full length documentary or series just on these stones. Great work as always.
Become a member and I’ll post it soon!
保(たもつ)さんからMartin's さんのTH-camを教えて戴きました。
日本滞在中、保さんと日本中を取材していたのですね。
相撲部屋で廻しを着けて四股(しこ)を踏んでいたのにはビックリ。日本人の私も知らないことばかり。素晴らしい動画をありがとう👏👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Mr. Tamotsu taught me about Martin's TH-cam.
While you were in Japan, you and Tamotsu covered the country.
I was surprised to see him wearing a mawashi and stepping on the shiko in the sumo stable. As a Japanese person, there are many things I don't know. thank you for the great video
🫶🙏
Hi, I'm Latvian and i am proud to say to you that you are not only ordinary human being but you are strong men - Spēka Mitriķis! - in our old Latvian language. Respect to You and work that you have done. Nobody has done something similar like You. I really respect, how you can make all cultures unite all-around
the world. You are phenomenal. I wish you best of luck and never stop doing what your heart desires.
Liels paldies!! 🫶💪 🇱🇻
The Strength Unknown series is truly special. Thank you for cultivating and showcasing a thoughtful and spiritual side of strength sports! I look forward to every episode.
This series is seriously the best! Thank you Romark and Martins for making these!
Thank you! Please spread the word so we can keep these coming 🙏
Another masterpiece on this channel. These videos are beyond everything, just wow. It gave me the will to travel to lift stones in differents countries and learn their history. I am currently planinng the first trip for 2024, starting with Scotland. Thank you guys deeply for the inspiration...
Bro these are so amazing!
Haha Hey Martins, I was the guy you met in Asakusa! I’m sorry we couldn’t chat more. I hope you come back to Tokyo!
This made me emotional I think it's because we call rocks grandfathers in Ojibwe native American tradition or mishomis. Mishomis has seen and been thru everything and will still be here long after everything and everyone around us ceases to exist, grandfathers and mountains shall remain. You can tell he was getting that ancient energy when lifting the stones, I'm motivated to lift some grandfathers now and carrying them uphill for an amazing workout connecting with nature at the same time.
I am so impressed by you guys. Wonderful shots, amazing audio, and wtf Martins your Japanese is unbelievable! I lived in Japan for 2 years and have been a fan of strongman since I was a little kid and saw WSM on tv, and I had no idea Japan had a stone culture like this! This episode was special. Thanks guys.
Wow Martins, you remind me of Tony Bourdain with the way you narrate, I love this style for you. Please keep up this docu-series
The best type of content in order to spread the spiritual and Community aspect of strength. Thanks for the content, guys!
I live in japan but this is the first time i heard about chikara ishi. Thank you for sharing this ancient tradition with us. Feels good to learn something new today
Your probably a white immigrant here
相撲のも拝見しましたが日本語もお話しされて素敵です。Much Respect
That was nice to "tie the record". Keeps the record in Japan, something the guy seemed proud of. Also that new stone-shouldering technique on display! Looks impressive.
This just showed up randomly in my youtube feed. And it is really really interesting to watch. I just have to check out the rest of this channel next. I love watching cultural stuff like this. Didn't think I would ever be so entranced by a video about lifting stuff, but here I am.
Yes it’s workings! thank you for watching!
this is SOOOOO GOOD. so much history condensed here. the historian is doing such an amazing job. martins also did a great job speaking japanese and connecting even better to the locals. i really love how the stones were named after the men who lifted them. it is amazing
It brings up many questions doesn't it? This series is very versatile indeed. This episode leaves me wanting more.. it also makes me look up a lot on the interwebs, to answer those questions that come up while watching this episode.Beautifully done. (2nd time watching this episode,.. 2nd day knowing about this channel... not japanese... not into strongman... however, very impressed entertained and educated.)
Another amazing video in the Strength Unknown series. Very engaging and had me sucked in where 30m passed in a blink. Would love longer episodes! Your voice overs are great as well.
This is truly one of the best strength series! Adding to the known history of strength and sharing from all corners of the world! Martins and Romark you have something amazing and special here, thank you for sharing!!
Thank you so much! Spread the word so we can keep making more! 🙏💪
Thanks! Love these stories paying homage to historical strength?
Thank you so much for the support!! 🙏🫶
I love this series. I was myself in Japan for 1 Year, next time I make sure to visit the stones. Kudos on you Martins and your team for this great production
Thank you so much for the support!! 🙏 One year?! I’m jealous! I hope to spend much much more time there
I was mainly in the Kansai region like Osaka. What was your favourite food in Japan? Can't wait for your next sumo video :D Cheers @@MartinsLicis
Your narration on these is superb!
what a unique way to see japan, very cool. the rocks, the shrines, the zen waterfall. so aesthetic
You guys production quality is amazing !
Thanks!
Japan is simply a superior culture. By superior I mean their collective self-control, respect, cultural complexity, and above all intelligence.
Martins I'm a big fan! I only just found your channel, but I'm literally going to binge watch all your videos! Cheers big man!
Another amazing episode chaps - see you in Heathrow in a few days time! 💪😘
Martins, your work on strength documentaries is incredible! You and your team are able to capture the essence of strength culture and philosophy around the world AND bring a top-level scenic capture paired with your unexpectedly deep narration. Thank you for your time and dedication. I am sure people in NatGeo/Discovery/History channels, and James Cameron himself are of the same opinion if they would have seen your work.
Hold up, Martins speaks Japanese too!?! What an impressive pairing you and Romark have made. Seriously impressed by this series and can’t wait for MARTINS return to strongman in 2024 in which I impinge he’ll be Wrecking the competition 👊 🪨 15:12 17:55
p.s. Can’t wait to see Martins vs The Moose.
Holy shit this is great. The dedication, the quality, the entertainment value and the educational value... Absolutely amazing.
This and his team just never fails to amaze me for every single content! You guys have no idea how long I've waited for your uploads. Much love from the Philippines brothers!
Such an awesome episode! It's one that you'd wish was longer even just to learn more about the history of the stone lifting in Japan. Listening to the professor and other guys talking about the history of the stones feel like it could be made into a 2hr long documentary and I'd watch every second! Keep up the awesome content and I cant wait for the next episode!
Awesome to see more strongmen get involved with sumo and strength-related pursuits in Japan. Well done on bringing some of this to light - it'd be awesome to see that map come to life, and noting which stones are still liftable (with proper permission of course).
I don't know your channel nor your work and did not know anything about Chikara Ishi either. I stumble by chance of yt recommandations on the Sumo video that mentioned this one so watched this one first. It was a very cool video, nicely done, approaching the subject from different perspectives and, as it felt from watching, with respect for the stones, the people and the tradition. Thanks for sharing!
An incredible and informative episode about something I had never heard of! When I finally visit Japan I hope to stop by and see some of these stones in person!
Thank you!
Thank you for all you are doing for stone culture. If you're not already aware of him check out Ireland's David Keohan, or Indiana Stones. The stone culture there was almost truly lost due to British colonialism (still rule britania tho, red white and blue og ftw baby) and he's brought it back by researching the old stories and legends.
That’s incredible! Definitely taking note of this. Thank you
@@MartinsLicis no worries man, when you finally lift them all and unlock ascention powers just remember me...
Thanks lads for the mention! Martins come to Ireland. HUGE stones
Bruh this whole video is making me tear up. Generations of men with a passion of lifting heavy things. Ive never felt such a strong bond with past generations of men i never met. I want to participate one day. Im a meager 72kg but i will make it
Super excited to see this video. Lived in Japan for many years and been a strongman fan for decades and never knew Japan had a history lifting stones.
Amazing job Martins.
Also impressed hearing Martins Nihingo
Loved it.
Pleaseeeee i hope you have a whole sumo video like the ending
i could have watched this for 2 hours. love this series. keep it up MArtins and Romark!
I would have to say my strength lies more between my ears than in my physical. And I don't really watch nor have any real interest in strongman, BUT you don't show what most, at least myself, have thought of strongman. The side of "strength" that you show and the WAY you show it has me and keeps me inthralled! You are a phenomenal storyteller telling stories of cultures and history and it is absolute intellectually stimulating and I'm looking forward to the next weighty adventure!!
This is such a great series, Martins. And your respect for the people you meet is so nice to see. Already excited about the next adventure.
Top notch video. Never heard of chikara ishi but it was great to learn about it and from so many different sources
Another truly special video, can’t wait to see the sumo video next!
You are not only rediscovering these places around the world, you are also like an ambassador for strongman. We'll see some people you inspired in strongman in the years to come.
I love this series so much, thank u Martins for making these and for showing us different cultures of strongman! Can't wait for more to come
I am moved and inspired by this rich history and culture. You have my biggest thanks and gratitude to share such an amazing piece of art in the form of the free video. You (and Romark ofc) are worthy of all your success to come in life.
Congratulation guys, your series is astonishing, great production value and great mentality in aproaching different cultures.
Always a pleasure to fallow your travels.
This was the best one yet, felt like I was watching a documentary
I think this has been my favourite strength unknown just for the passion and the sacredness of it to Japan absolutely amazing yet another amazing episode. Thank you all.
Unbelievable history and culture of Japan, with Martins there lifting big stones and eating chanko with the sumo's,
what a top edition of "Strength Unknown" - It looks like these "tests of strength" are UNIVERSAL, and in particular
with people living in and around those "Northern Temperate Zones" - could it be possible - A BAND OF GIANTS
FROM THE ANCIENT TIME'S, TRAVELED AROUND THE GLOBE, LIFTING BIG STONES, AND EATING SUMO STEW,
BUILDING CASTLES, BUILDING BRIDGES, BUILDING TEMPLES & FORTRESSES, ALL WHILE LIFTING BIG STONES?
Good job by Martins, lifting the Ozeki stone (143 kgs) no easy feat for normal people, but for the behemoth who
must weigh between 150-160 kgs, it's doable for the big unit. What an incredible story by the boys, and also the
temple "priest" and the "history professors", these cultural stories cannot be lost, in fact, they have to be preserved,
even promoted and expanded, into a more modern format. Japan has the perfect mix between the Old Culture,
and the Modern Culture, they blend both the historic and the modern into a powerful mix, their culture evolving
from ancient times, completely separated from the Asian Mainland. The Japanese Islands a natural wonderland,
a paradise that was isolated (voluntarily) from China, the Ming, the Ching, and the Mongolian Hordes, "they did it
their own way", they evolved into a warlike society, which lamentably had them clashing for several centuries, with
the famous "Samurai Wars", the various Daiymo's at War with each other, becoming a major part of Japan's history,
but that did not stop the Japanese from having a very sophisticated culture in many ways. They have the Islands,
they have the natural landscapes, they have the distinct 4 seasons, they have the culture and the people, that make
Japan a special place, and even though Japan is in the Far East, physically, geographically part of Asia, Japan is also
part of Our Western World, all can be easily deciphered through their "political leanings", their history, their military
and martial history, their strength & fighting sports - they hate Communism & Totalitarianism, JUST LIKE US.
The Sumo School visit by Martins should be a good one, with him easily having the physique, body-shape, body-type,
the absolute "right weight" for Professional Sumo (most of the best Sumo's of the last 20-30 years have been around
that 150-160 kg mark) and the Professional Strongman Martins, would have a definitive strength advantage over the
Sumo's (Rikishi, also a stone-lifting term in Japan) while his "technique" would not be in their 10-15 years of training,
big beefy, boofy blokes, from the Western Nations, could easily PICK-UP SUMO, AS EASILY AS PICKING-UP STONES.
..............................................................................................................................................................................................
Note: I have previously mentioned the possibility of creating "WESTERN SUMO" - perhaps to differentiate from the
traditional Japanese Sumo, but always paying respect to the Original Sumo, with the "Rikishi Sash" lost to history,
the Westerners using some type of "HEAVY-DUTY SHORTS" made of very strong materials, the "RING" could also be
changed a little, maybe making it "SQUARE", exactly the dimensions of the "outside square" of the traditional Sumo
Ring, and the "Western Sumo's" could come out to Music, they can have their own "style's of shorts, colors, music,
masks, fanfare" maybe a bit like Rock 'n' Roll Wrestling, except the Wrestling is for real, and the Fighting is Authentic,
another type of change, could be having the "Ring" - all one height, to avoid potential injuries, for the big boys of W.S.
..................................................................................................................................................................................................
I personally have many "ideas" about this new Western Sumo.The possibility of having some of the biggest & strongest
blokes face-off against each other, would be a smash-hit, and those "big blokes" some of whom play sports like NFL,
Rugby, Strength Games, Wrestling, etc. - Those big units, would have "another avenue of income" available, where they
could even "retire" from Football or Strongman events, and then just "transition" into Western Sumo, smashing their
way through "the opposition" - and potentially make millions from "small time investments" - as some of the Sumo bouts
last minimal time, while other times it could last longer. The other "apparel change" that could make it more interesting,
is the addition of "braces" - giving them more "leverage", those with grip strength & explosive power preferring the "braces"
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................
*Rules Book: No attacking the head of the opponent in "Western Sumo" - as these guys are of incredible strength & power,
the head should be avoided in the "Initial Impact" (II) perhaps "no open palms to the face" as well, unlike some of the
Japanese Sumo bouts, the other thing would be "Weight Divisions" starting with only "OPEN WEIGHT" - the big boys of
100-150+ kgs, later starting weight divisions like under-110, under-100, & under-90.
I'm glad that I'm researching and talking about the right information.
I fell in love with a Japanese woman in Japan after covid. Its my favorite culture on earth and the people are amazing. I wasn't aware of stone lifting in Japan, but I suggest anyone who travels there to enjoy sumo, their amazing athletes
Incredible and respectful coverage of a historic tradition, by far my favourite series on TH-cam
Best add yet. Literally laughed out loud when I heard what you are binge watching. Love that anime. Another excellent video.
Well... I guess I have to add a japan stone tour to my bucket list!
And what a great Video from you guys! You have the highest quality of videos of all strength content out there!
Great vid! I think you really respected their culture and tradition as well as a really great and fitting music background. This quality is fitting to a Netflix documentary with an extremely large budget. I'm really impressed with this work! :)
Another great one guys, thank you all soo much. Martins looks ready for arnolds and worlds now, cant wait for march.
Best episode yet, probably due to the personal connection that Martins shares with Japan
Great video. It was a side of Japan I never knew about. My adult children are half Japanese. It will be shared to them. Thank you coming from a fan and someone who trained heavy for many years. Strength is a path to enlightenment.
This might be my favorite episode yet! Also it's fun to see Martins speaking nihongo jouzu 😉
Brilliant ...to be honest I believe that all the videos in this series are important enough to be nominated for an award..😊
You guys are truly something special and I hope the bigger studies finally take notice and we get to see this and future productions reach a grander audience!
❤❤❤ this was another fascinating strength unknown video!
I can’t wait to watch the sumo video.
(May I request the subtitles are slightly larger and not white as they were difficult to see well - thanks)
❤❤❤
Okay noted!
As much as Brian Shaw loves forgotten and ancient feats of strength, I can almost guarantee he would love a tour like this.
Just wanted to say you guys are doing an amazing job with these videos! They are so good and entertaining! I honestly think this is one of the best series on TH-cam! Keep up the amazing job Martins!! Can’t wait for next episode! 👍 ❤
That was awesome and inspiring. Japan is close to my heart. One day I hope to respectfully try chikara ishi
Your videos man are like a mini movie just stunning content can’t wait for the sumo just keep smashing it man ❤
i dont understand why your content isnt bigger,its so well made,im sure it will blow up sooner or later as more people stumble on it,mine was the lu xiaojun vid. perhaps its because its not so called as hyper or fast paced which is what young people like watchingt,but i really do enjoy this form of content which i dont see as much of on the platform anymore
I loved the story of putting the stone in front of one's house upon lifting it, then coming to find it gone one day because someone else had lifted it. Imagine knowing a young man who was trying his best to lift such a stone for some time, then passing by his home one day to see the stone sitting there. Community pride!
Of all the videos you've done, and I have enjoyed them all, This one was by far my favorite, My father lived for two years in Japan during the Korean Conflict and always talked about how special Japan and the people were. I have always wanted to go there. I have followed the martial arts, the samurai, and was surprised to learn of Chikara Ishi. Great video.
Beautiful comment. thank you for watching and supporting 🙏
Just keep making content Martin you guys are a breath of fresh air in between all the chaos on my feed😊
Crazy how far you’ve come I remember watching you years ago training at training hall with hau
This is my favorite Strength Unknown yet, so cool! Thanks guys!
That was fantastic! I love the story about the competing villagers just lifting the stone and carrying it back home to prove they were the strongest haha!
Who else agrees Martin's Licis is officially THE COOLEST strong man
Glad to see you made the effort to learn and speak some Japanese Martins. It shows respect.
GG Martins and Roman! Fantastic doc thanks for sharing!
every time i watch you i cry out of joy because you show me these cultures that make me feel like I am not alone your video of china prevented me from taking my life it gave me a purpose to live for thanks marti
Absolutely fantastic episode, but can't say enough how excited I am for the sumo episode. I've been following it for about 15 years, and am so glad you were able to dive into its particular style of strength!
That was great to watch thank you all for slowing us this amazing world of Japanese stones 🙏🏻
This seriously has become my favorite channel on TH-cam. You have a great narrating voice
Amazing vid! This is definitely cool, hope it becomes bigger in japan. Would love to see that as a ground for strongmen competing in stones. Also, the place is amazing, would be cool to see it blossom.
大学の頃、岡山に住んでたから地理的に総社市のことも分かるんですが、外人さんがあんな山奥まで行かれただけでも凄いなと感じました
Best episode yet. I love Japan and I love lifting stones. Match made in heaven for me!
Thank you!!! Spread the word! We want to keep bringing you more of these videos 🙏
Another awesome video guys i love seeing the stone lifting culture
I don't think anyone can compete with the quality of this content.
the qualities of your videos did really skyrocket.
the strength unknown series is amazing.
looking forward when u come to Austria for our Stonelifting.
I love you guys!! Thanks alot!
Another fantastic video, I love these
Big love Martins and Romark!! I have been waiting to witness ur adventures in Japan since we met at China’s strongest! ❤️❤️
Great job, as always. Super interesting to see the culture of strongman and how the modernization of japan made it disappear. I think it's important for Strongman to understand its roots and why it shouldn't be like a powerlifting meet.
Man imagine the guy who lifted the 180kg stone 200 years ago... wasnt easy for Martins and hes fully juiced. Back then there werent any Steroids around... Must have been a MASSIVE human.
Beautiful video. When I visited Japan I was impressed by so many things but the nearly seamless blending of the ancient and new in the towns and cities was always what got me the most.
Martins, I'm so thankful that you're traveling and highlighting all these amazing people and places, lifting styles and history. Your curiosity, kindness and spirit shine through in each new video. Can't wait to see where Strength Unknown takes us next.