Fun and/or Interesting
Czech Sumo Wrestler Defeats Larger Japanese Opponents
You may be wondering why I’m wasting your time on full-grown men having a shoving contest in diapers. Like many, my first impression of this sport was something between astonishment and disgust. But as a student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for more than 20 years, I’ve developed an appreciation for grappling – especially the Japanese forms.
What you’ll see in the video is Takanoyama Shuntaro, a Czech (born Pavel Bojar), defeating Japanese opponents twice his size. What is less obviously amazing but is super-cool for anyone that understands grappling, is the extreme level of the techniques used by Takanoyama in achieving these victories. (The techniques are called “kimarite,” and the Japan Sumo Association recognizes 82 types of them.)
The word Sumo means “to mutually rush at,” and the goal is to push your opponent to the floor or outside of the ring area (known as the dohyo).
Originating in Japan more than 2000 years ago, Sumo is heavily traditional but surprisingly inclusive. Participants come from all over the world, including the United States.
So now… meet Takanoyama Shuntaro.