[TheLucyLee]

Kotooshu is sure looking good!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5pTYNCMybgU

I like this compilation of Asashoryu's matches in the spring tournament:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xynNfe9ORU4

[Reafnartefs]

Sumo-wrestler...Now theres a guy you wanna remain friendly with. Piss em off and they'll turn you into sushi.

[oplapofffe]

It's coming to Los Angeles in June.
I'm taking the family.
I've never attended a Sumo tournament before,
But apparently it's a somewhat of a big deal to be able to go.

Has anyone here been?

[Immerymopay]

wow, Asashoryu is awsome. I always liked him, but i haven't paid attention to sumo for a while now. but damn, talk about "seme".

[Hpdovoxm]

It's coming to Los Angeles in June.
I'm taking the family.
I've never attended a Sumo tournament before,
But apparently it's a somewhat of a big deal to be able to go.

Has anyone here been?

hook me up with some info on this

[xrumerang]

hook me up with some info on this

No problem!

http://www.sumotour.com/

[funnyPasds]

Ahhh, sumo!!!

Too bad Hawaii hasn't fielded a big 'un since Musashimaru. I remember when we had Konishiki, Akebono, and Musashimaru in the Sumo tour! Plus, we have our Grand Old Man in Takamiyama!

Even if we didn't have NGN (Nippon Golden Network), the local stations would take turns hosting the Sumo Tournaments.

[Preorbtat]

Get in! Kotooshu is top! He's been mid table the last few times, so it's good to see him on top! He hasn't lost this time! Good fella. Only 3 more to go!

[attishina]

Has anyone here been?

Yup. Its ace. Especially if you get a few cans of beer in while you are watching. Then you can shout "asaaaaaaaaasashoooooooooooryuuuuu... shoooooryuuuu" or whatever.

The Harubasho takes place above my dojo every March. NHK takes over my dojo for the duration of the time and we get kicked out to the basketball courts.

These guys are bigger than you expect.

But not quite as bit as kenzan.

[lesso73]

Yup. Its ace. Especially if you get a few cans of beer in while you are watching. Then you can shout "asaaaaaaaaasashoooooooooooryuuuuu...

Yeah..that word usually comes about after a few anyway.
But generally directed at me rather than from me.

LOL


Anyway, I heard that there's somewhat of disparagement over younger Japanese people not wanting to undergo the rigors of the training life and the lament that Sumo is rapidly becoming a Gajin affair.
What's the skinny (Pun intended) on that?

[Blahhhshsh]

These guys are bigger than you expect.

And that's no joke. Massive, massive people. The really nice thing about sumo is that it is so interactive with the audience. Famous stable masters greet you at the door and take your ticket. You can move freely around the stadium as long as the seats are open. You may end up taking a piss next to a rikishi in the bog or waiting behind one to get a drink out of the vending machine. That's what really impressed me.

[VrQsgM7c]

What's the skinny ? Dunno. Sumos pretty hard.

There are v.v.v.few people that bother to turn up for the official weigh-ins that take place x-times a year. Like, 1 or 2 people at times.

Then there was the issue of the 17 (or was it 19?) year old guy that died last year. He attempted to flee the stable a couple of times and got a beating for it... the last one led to his death. When the media started looking into things they found that death amongst youger aspiring rikishi is not quite as uncommon as people imagine. That doesnt help its perception in Japan.

Its probably becoming a gaijin affair because the Sumo Kyokai needs to admit more rikishi.... and if there are no Japanese ones what do they do if they want to survive? Let them in.

Its got to be pretty damn hard to be a non-J in that world. You have to be really strong willed and strong bodied to survive (or stupid). Asashoryu was loved by everyone for the last few years then he was caught playing footy in Mongolia last year when he should have been in a competition over here (he claimed "injury" and sat out the comp). If was a bloody media storm at that point, with people saying "he doesnt/will never understand Japanese culture" and "this wouldnt happen with a Japanese yokuzuna" etc etc .... when its pretty damn obvious that he knows and has experienced more traditional japanese culture and lifestyle than 99.8% of the Japanese population. Poor guy.

As long as he doesnt do a Makebono then hes cool with me.

There hasnt been a Japanese yokuzuna in years..... any j-guy that does well is immedietly hailed as a potential Yokuzuna. Lot of pressure I guess.

-------------
Personally, with all the stories of sake fuelled orgies and big money endorsements, id give Sumo a go if I could. Dont want to shave my chest hair though!!!!

[Susanleech]

Dont want to shave my chest hair though!!!!

Kokkai doesn't.

[topbonuscasino]

Kotooshu kicked but again! Hakuho and Asashoryu defeated. Looks like this tournament is all his.

On a side note, this was pretty funny:

http://my.break.com/content/view.aspx?ContentID=487146

[HawksBurnDown]

13 victories 1 loss Kotoshu defeats Anma to win the Natsu basho. The first European ever to win.

I guess this means a lot more yoghert adds for Kotoshu!

[Breilopmil]

A few years back Kotooshu still looked like a struggling gaijin when I watched his documentary (in English, and on a flight to Japan). It's amazing how he worked his way up so quickly... and He's only 24!

[RsQhyZyR]

I find their ages very interesting.... I don't know how old to expect him to be, but I don't think 24 when I look at him.

[provigil]

I think Kotonishki, another favorite of mine, is pretty young too, 23 or somewhere around there.

I also like Kaiyo, I think he's probably one of the oldest.

[Alulursuifold]

I think Kotonishki, another favorite of mine, is pretty young too, 23 or somewhere around there.

I also like Kaiyo, I think he's probably one of the oldest.

Hey Kurisa,
Please don't misunderstand my reply to your statement. I'm not trying to bust your balls, because I don't like it being done to myself... but former Sekiwake Kotonishiki is now retired and must be at least 40 by now. Yeah, he is 40. He was an awesome Makuuchi rikishi, who won 2 Yushos, 7 years apart (September, 1991 and November, 1998). Perhaps you crossed Kotos in you zeal to post your comment? Boy, have I done that! Current Ozeki Kotomitsuki is now 32. Sekiwake Kotoshogiku is 24 years old. I am a huge fan of his! He has real Ozeki potential. So does Komusubi Kisenosato. He will be 22 in July. We need young-bloods like them to challenge the young Mongolian Yokozunas and keep them in line. I also think Tochiozan, at 21, has talent.

I agree with you, Kaio is truly amazing! Kaio (7/1972) is now tied for the oldest, at 36 years old, with Tosanoumi (2/1972) and Tamakasuga (1/1976). It's something else, that these great rikishi are still competing with athletes in their early twenties. I can't wait for the July Basho in Nagoya!

Be well and practice often, Jon Palombi

[enfoires]

Living in Nagoya, I have been fortunate enough to attend every Sunday basho for the past 7 years! I have also been to basho in Osaka and Tokyo. Let me tell you, if you are ever in Japan or if you live here already, Sumo is an amazing event to experience. I usually get there at 8am when the doors open and enjoy the entire day until 6pm. Only 3 more weeks and I'll be there again and again and again!