Sumo wrestlers are famous for being big and fat, but the times they be a changin’.
Over the past 20+ years, more Mongolians have entered the dohyo (ring), and after years of inhaling an excessive amount of food, they put on the necessary bulk to hold their own.
Typically, the Mongolians top out around 350 pounds, but some have been bigger. Since 2003, six Mongolians have become Yokozuna, grand champions of the sport.
The Mongolians tend to be more muscular than most of their competitors. They are ferocious fighters with lightning quick leg-elevator throws and have an intense desire to fit into a society so vastly different from the nomadic horse culture of the steppes.
These “new-mad” sumo wrestlers also tend to get into more trouble than their Japanese comrads, but after they learn the language and settle down a bit, ideally with a Japanese celebrity who has geisha girl looks and manners, it helps.
Over the past year sumo has a new superstar from the Ukraine. Aonishiki, who at age 21, is one major league step away from being the first Yokozuna from outside Japan, Hawaii or Mongolia.
Aonishiki is 5’11.5″ tall and weighs 310 pounds. You might be surprised at how well he wears his weight, too. He has no beer belly or man mammaries.
I learn a lot while watching sumo and encourage my friends to watch – but this is only possible if they don’t have a “what a big, fat slob” bias.
As for exercises and training, there’s much that sumo wrestlers do each day that any athlete or fitness fanatic can put into good use. Pushups, squats, isometrics and deep stretching are always in play.
In fact, all sumo wrestlers practice the splits as part of their training, proving that skinny is not the key to flexibility.
The world is full of stiff skinny people – so being a bit overweight – or a lot overweight – does not prevent you from being incredibly mobile.
I cover some sumo-like exercises in my Combat Stretching, Gama Fitness and Power Postures courses, which you will dig.
They are more than worth their weight in gold.
I wouldn’t dare leave home without them. They are that good.
Kick ass – take names!
Matt Furey
