3Years in Sendai - 10 - SUMO!

And what is Japan without Sumo!
Sumo (相撲 sumō^?) is a competitive full-contact wrestling sport where a rikishi (wrestler) attempts to force another wrestler out of a circular ring (dohyō) or to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of the feet. The sport originated in Japan, the only country where it is practiced professionally. It is generally considered to be a gendai budō (a modern Japanese martial art), though this definition is misleading as the sport has a history spanning many centuries. Many ancient traditions have been preserved in sumo, and even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt purification, from the days when sumo was used in the Shinto religion. Life as a wrestler is highly regimented, with rules laid down by the Sumo Association. Most sumo wrestlers are required to live in communal "sumo training stables", known in Japanese as heya, where all aspects of their daily lives—from meals to their manner of dress—are dictated by strict tradition.

SUMO on scratch board. The technique is very simple as all you do is scratch the black board exposing the white underneath. 

I looked forward to the Sumo  Tournament every year that i was living in Sendai, it was one of my favorite pastime and i got to know my wrestlers during those years. Names like Takeno Hana and Wakeno Hana the two brothers wo lead the pack winning almost major fights and then there were the Samoans and Hawains like Akebono, and Kinoshiki and MUsashi Maru. I often rooted for Akebono who was a huge man but very gentle in nature.

Sumo to me is like a gentleman's pastime sports at the ringside as the sport itself is not overly violent and seemed more like a clash of two big bears while observing some proper decorum while at it. But harmless as it may seem Sumo wrest;ling is no doubt one of the most toughest sport where close contact is concern. The rituals that is involved with the sport is very unique and what makes Sumo a more spiritual kind of sport.

The Japanese in general hold high esteem towards their national pastime of Sumo Wrestling and  it is one of the most expensive sports event to attend.

Again for artist who does life sketching Sumo wrestlers makes very impressive models especially if one can catch them in action.

Some SUMO moves that i copied from a book on the subject.

Yes what would Japan be without SUMO!