Sumo slam

Sumo wrestling, an ancient Japanese tradition that spans many centuries. Is a professional sport, only in Japan although participants are from all over the world. The wrestlers have to live in communal training stables known as heya where all aspects of their lives are lived by strict guidelines.

Once you get to the arena, you are shocked at how small the actual ring is. Next, two of the biggest men you've ever seen walk into the ring, bowing before they enter. They go through about three minutes of traditional rituals, which includes throwing salt, stretching, squatting, and slapping various parts of their bodies. One wrestler slapped his face, and the crowd went wild. So after all the anticipation, the bout finally begins with both wrestlers putting their hands on the ground. The very intense 5-10 seconds before someone gets pushed out or thrown to the ground, is worth the preparation. This is a fantastic sport, where not always the bigger guy wins.

While having lunch next to the arena, a sumo wrestler came in and sat next to us! Boy did he eat a lot... All in all we had a great time. We tried to predict who would win the bouts, and unfortunately I lost that battle.