Tojo Yamamoto Jr. : Never give up

"If you feel like you have had all you can take and you are all out of hope, just know that God save me and turned this ex gang member and drug dealer into a role model for all kids, men and women, no matter what color and race you are." - Tojo Yamamoto Jr.

In the suburbs of Chicago is a town named Aurora, Illinois. Aurora sits in Kane County and Dupage county. In 1881 Aurora was given the nickname "City of Lights" because it was one of the first cities to have an all electric street lighting system. Aurora has a population of 199,963 and is home to our spotlight tonight, Tojo Yamamoto Jr.

Life wasn't always easy for Tojo Yamamoto Jr. He started using and dealing drugs at a young age and joined in on street gangs. After watching his 90 year old grandfather get shot in his wheelchair, he decided to turn his life around. "I had to change my life for the better." Tojo told us during our interview. Getting out of the gang life wasn't a piece of cake. In order to get out he got pretty beat up, but he did what he had to do to start the new chapter in his life. When Tojo felt like he hit an all time low in his life, he decided one day to get down on his knees and ask for forgiveness.

In 1992, Tojo stumbled upon a town called West Memphis, Arkansas. Luckily that

town he stumbled upon was home to the legendary Don Bass. Tojo soon went to work at Don's wrestling school, in which he attended for 3 to 4 days a week. "It was never easy." Tojo stated.

Many people assume that you start in a wrestling ring, but not with Don Bass. Tojo told us that a wrestler just starting out would have to learn his/her craft on those thin mats on top of the old concrete floors in a small barn. The school started during the daylight and would end when night fell. After months and months of training, Tojo got his first match against WWE star and legend Dirty Dutch Mantel. Tojo continued to pay his dues and soon met icon and friend Harley Race.

"Harley helped me a lot, and I think a lot of him." Tojo stated thoughtfully. "After matches, Harley would say 'come here kid' I thought I was always in trouble." Tojo was not in trouble with Harley. Harley would talk over Tojo's matches showing him where he did excellent, where he made mistakes and what he could do better next time.

"I definitely got to see the world." Tojo said. "I traveled all over the world and met awesome people and I learned a lot. I would do shows and remember talking sometimes up to five hours listening to Harley, Scott Hall, Jimmy Hart, Jimmy Valiant, Don Bass, Ricky Morton and Shane Morton. These guys' stories were pr

iceless. Some people never get that chance to hear such advise. I was very fortunate and will never forget those moments."

Tojo recalled one of his favorite matches involving a televised event with the late and great Gypsy Joe. "One of my favorite matches ever." Tojo became one of Don Bass's lead trainers and did start his own promotion, RPW Renegade Pro Wrestling in Metropolis, Illinois in 2008. Tojo ran his own promotion for years and had some classic matches like the one with life long friend, Jose Gurrero. Tojo became a success both in the ring and in his community. He provided under privileged families with food for Thanksgiving and Christmas and made sure children had the school supplies they needed for the new school year.

After closing down RPW, Tojo decided to hit the road, performing in towns across the United States. My world changed for the better when I met Tojo at an autograph signing/meet and greet in Athens, Alabama in 2012. I laced up my boots again and traveled with Tojo for the next 2 years. Maybe one day I could write about this adventure, but for now this is about Tojo. Well one story won't hurt I guess.

We had a show for S.P.W.A in Ramer, Tennessee for Don Bass's huge show. We followed up with a Waffle House trip and headed back to Alabama for another show. We came to a road block in Corinth, Mississippi where highway patrol was hot and heavy. We were met by the officer who then asked for ID and Registration. I was in such a hurry that I had left my wallet at home. The back seat was full of bloody chairs, barbed wire, bats and thumb tacks. The officer then asked us to get our of the car while it was pouring rain. We were asked what we were about to do. Luckily this officer was a fan, because while I was too busy freaking out, Tojo had all the police officers in line for an autograph signing session.

I will always remember that, brother.

Tojo did have a few health scares and we about lost him a few times. Tojo stated that after surgery and exercise he is feeling healthy. "I'm doing a lot better now." Tojo replied. Tojo spends his days watching his favorite, Chicago Bears, motivational speaking, working with St. Jude and helping children live their dreams. Tojo lives by two mottos that he was so kind to share with us. "Live your dream," and "Never say 'can't.'"