Henry “Sentoryu” Miller
The world of martial arts and sumo in Japan has lost a respected figure. Henry “Sentoryu” Miller has passed away. The American died at the age of 56.
Miller had been battling lung cancer since the American summer and was seeking a transplant. According to insider Chris Sumo on his YouTube channel, he passed away on January 29 after an intense battle.
Miller was born in Japan on the day of the Apollo 11 launch and chose to use the last name Armstrong in honor of the legendary astronaut. Henry grew up in Missouri, where he stood out in scholastic wrestling during his high school years.
At just 19 years old, he decided to return to Japan and enter the world of sumo, where he became a respected figure in the discipline.
Upon joining the Tomozuna sumo stable, he adopted the ring name Sentoryu, winning the sixth division in his debut in 1998. After that victory, he began to climb the rankings rapidly.
When he debuted in the third division in 1991, he suffered several injuries that limited his abilities.
In 1994, Sentoryu managed to reach the second division, becoming the first American in the history of the sport to earn a spot in the rankings.
In 1999, after being demoted to the third division, he posted a 7–0 record, winning his first championship in that division, which helped him earn promotion to the top division the following year.
His time competing at the highest level of professional sumo was brief. In 2003, he decided to retire from sumo and set a new goal of competing in MMA and kickboxing.
Making his debut in 2004 and remaining active until August 2013, Miller competed in 23 MMA bouts, many of them in Japan, compiling a record of 6–16 with 1 No Contest, including five victories by knockout and one by submission.
During his short stint in kickboxing, he posted a 1–2 record, competing in three bouts between 2007 and 2010.
Miller undoubtedly went down in history as one of the pioneers from outside Japan to compete in the discipline.
From Fajador Media, we extend our condolences to Miller and his family and loved ones.
