Kings of the Square Ring 1978

Overview

Kings of the Square Ring is a 1978 documentary film directed by Shuji Goto that explores the history and intensity of mixed martial arts. The production serves as a collection of archival footage documenting various combat sports, including boxing, wrestling, karate, muay thai, jujitsu, and tae kwon do. By highlighting these diverse disciplines, the film showcases a no-holds-barred style of fighting that incorporates elements from each sport. The documentary features appearances by several prominent figures in the field of combat sports. Among the individuals highlighted in the archival footage are Muhammad Ali, Antonio Inoki, Masutatsu Oyama, Benny Urquidez, Rikidozan, and Takeshi Fuji. Through these sequences, the film aims to capture some of the most notable battles observed within the realm of extreme fighting. The project provides viewers with a comprehensive look at the evolution of these competitive styles as practiced by some of the most recognized fighting greats of the era. The film is categorized as a documentary and provides a retrospective view of these athletic encounters.