While in Tokyo, I decided I would take on a Sumo wrestler cause that’s how I roll. Embrace other cultures and try not to get killed in the process is my motto. Thankfully, there was no blood or broken bones. My wife was not keen on entering the sumo stable, so she opted for shopping. I didn’t even have to tell her that women weren’t allowed in. Photography inside was also forbidden. I’m happy for this because I did wear the mawashi. Trust me, the imagery is as bad for me as it is for you reading this. Before I got into the dohyō (wrestling ring), I had lunch with the wrestlers. We had Chanko Nabe (Sumo Stew) and several large mugs of beer and it all was delicious. Once within the dohyō. the sumo assigned to me went over a few moves, and I went at him. I didn’t move him an inch. I tried a few Judo moves to knock him off balance. He was unaffected by this. Then he picked me up like a baby and gently placed me outside the ring. I had a few more attempts using different tactics, but the result was the same. The lost-in-translation of the back-and-forth banter between us was hilarious. Most I’ve laughed in years. One of the many great days I’ve had in Japan. One sumo told me I would need to gain a lot more weight to be sumo. Ha!
What is forbidden in sumo?
Punching, gouging, and kicking are prohibited, but slapping and tripping are allowed. It is legal to grab the “mawashi” (sumo belt) anywhere around the waist, but not in the groin area. Hair-pulling is also banned. I was very thankful for this as I would have been destroyed.
