SumoByamba

There is a lot of strategy, actually. Usually, the first split second of the match determines the winner. A faster start gives a huge advantage.

Also, the method of attack is critical, and I adjust my charge, based on who the opponent is. For example, against someone who has a strong slapping attack, I move in a certain way to "catch" him right away and get a grip on his belt, so I can stop the slaps and overpower him,

Professional sumo wrestling in Japan is not just a sport. It's a full-time lifestyle, 24/7 and almost 365 days a year. It's not like "normal" sports that have a season. Pro sumo wrestlers are like soldiers in the military, year-round.

Even today, pro sumo wrestlers live in a very similar way to their predecessors, historically.

However, after I left pro sumo, I have had the chance to compete in international sumo all over the world. There are no lifestyle restrictions, and I can manage my own training and schedule. On the down side, though, it's not as easy to find strong people to train with on a regular basis.

I can never forget the first time I won the World Sumo Championships in 2006. The final match was against the Russian Champion, who is 6'8", over 500 pounds, and very muscular. We smashed heads incredibly hard at the start, and he rebounded, falling out of the ring before I did! So, I became World Sumo Champion!

That was a really happy moment for me because that status also opened up the door for me to apply for and receive my green card here! So, I am happy to be in the United States thanks to my sumo success.

I also want to give back to others, which is why I coach sumo practices in Los Angeles, and demonstrate sumo all over the country, to share this amazing tradition.

No, it has never happened to me in nearly 100,000 matches (in practice and in competition).

I don't max out because it makes the muscles too stiff. Flexibility is much more important in sumo than strength. So, I do a lot of high rep lifts that simulate the constant motion and dynamic action in a sumo match.