Michiyoshi Ohara's career began at Kokushikan University in Japan, where he joined a gym called "The Animal Gym" which was run by the renowned teacher, Hamaguchi. During his time there, Ohara learned professional wrestling from Hamaguchi and upon graduating, Ohara joined New Japan Pro-Wrestling. In 1991, Ohara won his first championship at the "Young Lion's Cup" competition. In 1993, he entered the "Hansenshiyyu Association" and became infamous as a "heel" in the world of Japanese professional wrestling. Finally in 2001, Ohara decided to try mixed martial arts and he made his debut at PRIDE FC: CHAMPIONSHIP CHAOS against Renzo Gracie. Though he lost the match (by decision), Ohara displayed great potential to be successful in the world of Vale Tudo.
