Los Angeles: US Sumo Open

I attended the US Sumo Open at the Los Angeles Convention Center a few weeks ago. The event started off with five dancers in traditional costume giving a performance; given the presence of flowers in the costumes, I think it was a dance that signified Spring. Next were taiko drummers, and then the competition began.

Sumo has a long history in Japan and even today still uses many rituals and ceremonies that have ties to Japanese religion. References to sumo have been found in Japanese writings dating back as far as the 8th century AD.

At the US Sumo Open, the special guest was Musashimaru Koyo, who reached the highest rank in sumo wrestling, called yokozuna, during his sumo career. He held this position from 1999 to 2003.

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Japanese dancers

The guy on the right had either a broken or sprained arm; he duct-taped his arm to his body and wrestled with his good arm.

The men in the Lightweights division line up for a ceremony before the match.

Facing off in the Lightweights division

Action!

Body profile study

Stalemate

Heavyweight division

Oh, you know that's going to hurt!

Whoa!

I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to be between these guys!

Women's division

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All photos are ©2005-06 Kathryn Hill Photography.