A Wrestlers Dream

Brute is steeped with wrestling heritage, dating back to its founder, retired Naval Captain Josiah (Joe) Henson. Captain Henson founded Brute's parent company, Henson Company, in 1967. Due to its rapid growth, Captain Henson formed a corporation with Iver Magnussen, who was highly successful as a competitor, a coach, and molder of men. Magnussen was the eventual founder of the wrestling company The Mat Corner. Magnussen's accomplishments were cut short by his untimely death at the age of 46.

Captain Henson's legend has remained a quiet one because the man himself does not seek attention. But after reading this, we hope you'll agree he belongs alongside of America's wrestling greats.


Pictured here in his F9F-8 aboard
the U.S.S. Wasp

Education and Military Career

  • 1945 graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was a Trustee from 1973-1980.
  • Undefeated during collegiate competition.
  • Captain, U.S. Navy (Pilot). Retired after 25 years service

Olympics

  • Bronze medalist in Freestyle wrestling at the 1952 Olympics.
  • FILA International wrestling referee, judge and jury member at XVI, XVII, XVIII, XIX Summer Games in 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968.
  • Official participant in every Summer Olympic Games since 1952 (except boycotted 1980 Moscow Games).
  • International Federation (IF) Delegate and Acting IF President ("A" credential), at XXIV and XXV Olympic Games.
  • First American to beat a Soviet athlete in a combat sport.


Winning the bronze by fall
in Helsinki, 1952


Joe Henson and Fidel Castro during the Pan Am Games in Havana

 

Pan American Games

  • Chef de Mission, U.S. Delegation, IX Pan American Games 1979.
  • Special Assistant to U.S.O.C. President at V and VI Pan American Games 1967.
  • IF Delegate ("A" Credential), XI Pan American Games in Havana, Cuba (1991) and IF Special Representative for X Pan American Games in Indianapolis, Indiana (1987)

U.S. Olympic Committee

  • USOC House of Delegates/Board of Directors. Member for XVII, XIX, XX and XXIII Olympiads.
  • Wrestling Sport Committee 1960 -1976.
  • Chairman of the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Committee 1964-68.
  • Amateur Wrestling "Man of the Year" 1967.


Receiving the "Man of the Year"
award in 1967

 

Athletic Organizations

  • Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) President 1980-1984, Vice President 1976-1980 (During this period AAU was with National Governing body (NGB) for eight Olympic sports).
  • Sullivan Award Committee Chairman.
  • Member, International Sports Committee, U.S. Information Agency (USIA) (Special commendation from President Ronald Reagan) (1980-88).
  • Senior Vice President and Executive Council Member,World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) (1977 to date).


Greetings from President Reagan