Goro Daimon

Goro Daimon (大門 五郞, Daimon Gorō) is a character who debuted as a member to the Hero Team in The King of Fighters '94, along with Kyo Kusanagi and Benimaru Nikaido. His character was created to add a practitioner of Judo to the cast and many elements from his original designs, such as his geta and his victory cries, remained for his final look.

The idea for his earthquakes -as well as the other elemental powers for the rest of the Japan team- was derived from the anime Getter Robo. In the show, there were three featured heroes who served as the inspiration for the KOF trio: the protagonist had a "fiery" persona, his friend was "edgy and daring", and the third hero was the "down-to-earth giant". It is also a homage to a Japanese phrase of giving birth to fire (roughly translated: lighting strikes the earth which sparks the flame). In The King of Fighters '97, the Orochi Yashiro became his elemental rival, as both men share the ability to manipulate earth.

Daimon is a former gold medalist of Judo and a mentor to his own dojo. In 1994, he participated in a tournament to determine the fighters who would represent Japan's team for the year's King of Fighters tournament. He loses to Kyo in the preliminary rounds but was chosen as one of the three members for his country. He continues to team with Kyo and Benimaru and becomes friends with them as the years pass. After the climax of The King of Fighters '97, Goro quits the fighter's league and made his Judo comeback. As the leader for Japan's team, he received world renown! During his retirement from the tournaments, he married and fathered a son named Kogoro. He returns as a fighter in his later appearances due to either Kyo or Benimaru's requests.

He is voiced by Masaki Usui.

Story
Daimon, being a large boy, took advantage of his large physique to began learning on Judo, a mainly close-contact style, based on throws mostly. Building up his body and even creating his own moves, Daimon quickly rose to be the surprise in the Judo world. He became the Japanese champion in no time, and shortly after, conquered the world champion. After several winning streaks, Daimon retired and hid in seclusion in the mountains of Japan, seeking some more moves, since he felt restricted to the Judo world, and liked to prove himself against other fighters of other styles. His chance came soon enough with the national martial arts tournament to decide the three fighters that would represent Japan in the new King of Fighters tournament. Daimon entered, hoping to come out on top and show the power of Judo to all!

Daimon had no real trouble advancing to the semfinals of the tournament, using his imponent physique to plow throught the other fighters, who couldn't stop this walking mountain of power, and were defeated by one of Daimon's earth-trembling moves. His opponent in the semifinals was, suprisingly, a young man named Kyo Kusanagi. Daimon had been friends with Kyo's father, Saisyu, and only knew Kyo when he was a little boy. Now he had grown, and become very strong. Daimon got excited on testing Saisyu's son's skills, and both climbed up to the arena.

Daimon soon found out how strong Kyo really was when he felt how powerful his blows were, scorching Daimon everytime he wanted to grab him. It was a very close fight after all, but Kyo was the winner of the match. Daimon was happy for him, though, since he had become stronger than he thought. Daimon and Kyo shaked hands, but Kyo whispers to Daimon that he should better win in the losers match to make a team with him and Benimaru (the other finalist). Daimon smiles and promises. And having said that, Daimon used his entire strength to win his next match and become the third member of the Japan Team.

The rest is history. Daimon has been like the experienced side of the Hero Team, and often gives advice to the young Kyo and Benimaru, and also being so serene, he tends to be the windbreaker between Kyo and Benimaru's constant quarrels. After every tournament, Daimon takes his time to win the next Judo tournament as a warm-up for the next King of Fighters tournament. He has no personal interest to surpass Kyo as Benimaru does, only to show the power of Judo to the world!

Daimon is also like a parental figure to Kyo, since Saisyu is out travelling most of the time, and advices him during hard times. He doesn't talk too much, but his confident smile and friendly grunt often proves to be more than enough. After the last tournament, Daimon decides to lead the Japan Judo team towards the world championship, and finally lead a life of peace and happiness up in the mountains.

Personality
Daimon always seems to have a very serious expression, and grunts a lot. However, he has a very warm heart, as he always takes his time to coexist with nature and encounter himself there. He also likes to teach youngsters about Judo in his free time. He also takes his time to serve as advicer and as a mediator between Kyo and Benimaru. He wasn't very popular with ladies due to his large and "scary looking" stature -a fact that he lamented for many years- until he was fortunate enough to meet Jokyojo.

Powers

 * Seismic Wave - By smacking the ground, Daimon can create a seismic wave that can make anyone fall.
 * Explosive Stomp - Daimon can sometimes emit explosive attacks with his attacks.

Fighting Style
Daimon fights with judo and jujutsu techniques, plus a personal striking style.

Music

 * Esaka - The King of Fighters 94
 * Funky Esaka - The King of Fighters 95
 * Esaka - The King of Fighters 96, 98
 * Flame of Invicibility - The King of Fighters 2001
 * Tears - The King of Fighters 2002
 * Joyrider - The King of Fighters 2003

Game Appearances



 * The King of Fighters '94
 * The King of Fighters '95
 * The King of Fighters '96
 * The King of Fighters '97
 * The King of Fighters '98
 * The King of Fighters 2000 - As a Striker for Seth
 * The King of Fighters 2001
 * The King of Fighters 2002
 * The King of Fighters 2003
 * The King of Fighters: Neowave
 * The King of Fighters XII