Hisao Tanaka

Hisao Tanaka
Born	California[1]
Died	June 30, 1991[1]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)	Hisao Tanaka Duke Keomuka
Debut	1947[1]

Martin Hisao Tanaka (April 22, 1921 – June 30, 1991) was a professional wrestler better known as Duke Keomuka. He is the father of wrestler Pat Tanaka and referee Jimmy Tanaka.

Biography

During World War II, Tanaka was interned at Manzanar.^[2]

In the 1950s, Keomuka formed a very successful tag team with Hiro Matsuda. Keomuka was also a top wrestler in the 1950s and the 1960s while competing in Texas before settling in Florida.

Keomuka died on June 30, 1991 at the age of 70.

In wrestling

• Finishing moves

• Superkick

• Signature moves

• Leg drop
• Multiple backhand chops

Championships and accomplishments

• Championship Wrestling from Florida

• NWA World Tag Team Championship (Florida version) (4 times) - with Hiro Matsuda

• Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling

• NWA Southern Tag Team Championship (Mid-Atlantic version) (2 times) - with Mr. Moto

• Mid-Pacific Promotions

• NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Midwest Wrestling Association

• MWA Ohio Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Sato Keomuka

• Southwest Sports, Inc. / Big Time Wrestling

• NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (5 times)
• NWA Texas Tag Team Championship (14 times) - with Danny Savich (5), Ivan Kalmikoff (1), Mr. Moto (2), Don Evans (1), Tiny Mills (1), Kinji Shibuya (1), Tony Martin (1), Tokyo Joe (1) and John Tolos (1)
• NWA World Tag Team Championship (Texas version) (6 times) - with Taro Miyaki (2), Mr. Moto (1), Tony Martin (1), Antonio Inoki (1) and Fritz Von Erich (1)

References