It must be Sumo season!

"There is no life without sport and no sport without competition"

-Randeep Hooda

Alright Martial Enthusiasts, Sumo season is upon us and the results of the first three days are upon us! I always find this martial sport very fascinating. Wrestling is arguably the world's oldest martial sport.(http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/story/2011-10-18/wrestling-artifact-history/50817198/1). Ancient ruins and texts from all over the world captured humanity's obsession with wrestling and Japan's version of wrestling, Sumo is no different. Despite any fallacy and fallout from a couple of years ago (http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/30/us-sumo-japan-idUSBRE8AT0AD20121130), I believe the sport has rebounded and continues to be exciting, especially with more and more international talent, such as Brodi Henderson. (http://www.macleans.ca/society/meet-the-canadian-whos-making-waves-as-a-sumo-wrestler-in-japan/) So let's get down to business.

 The May Sumo tournament has started and already 3 days of matches are completed.

Here is the results break down of the top divisions so far:

In the Makuuchi Division:
Amuru (3-0)
Yoshikaze (3-0)
Kaisei (3-0)
Ikioi (3-0)
Takayasu (3-0)
Aoiyama (3-0)
Sadanoumi (3-0)
Kisenosato (3-0)
Harumafuji (3-0)




The yorikiri technique, a front force out by gripping the mawashi (belt) is the favored technique thus far.


In the Juryo Division:
Wakanoshima (3-0)
Kagamio (3-0)
Chiyotairyu (3-0)











In the Juryo division, the uwatenage, overarm throw and the oshidashi, the front push out without gripping the mawashi, are the favored techniques.

As you can see, there is quite of mix of different techniques used to win the bout. Regardless of what martial art a person trains, you can always find new techniques, methods of training that fit your style. So watch and see what you can pick up and incorporate these techniques into your own training and your own unique style. I personally enjoy the sotogake, an outside leg trip.

If you want to watch any of these matches go to http://www.ustream.tv/jp/special/sumo/en/. The cost to watch any day of the matches is 1000 yen or around $8 USD. To watch the final day is 1500 yen or around $12-13 USD. A relatively cheap way to learn all about Sumo wrestling.

What is your favorite technique?

-Dwight