As we rounded a corner heading to the Sumo stable, we caught sight of the wrestlers on the street getting some air. As we walked into the practice area, we could understand why. The smell of sweat was pungent. These guys had already been going at it. A stable, by the way, is a group of wrestlers who train together. Not only that, they live together above the training area and the younger trainees take care of the place and cook the meals.
A few rows of thin cushions were lined up on a platform meant for us observers. Grubb got lucky. Our guide, Kiki, evidently realized there was no way he could sit on the floor for 90 minutes. So he was offered a stool. I joined the rest of the group bound for the floor. Cross legged or knees up. The soles of your feet could not be exposed towards the ring. A Shinto god was watching. I hope the Shinto god appreciated the level of discomfort that we observers endured.
Here are a couple short videos.
https://grubbella.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_2579.mov
https://grubbella.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_2605.mov
When I was in Tokyo many years ago, my client, a big guy from Texas and I met a few Sumo wrestlers on the street. We stopped, eyed each other a bit, gave a bow, and continued on our way. We were taller, they were (much) wider, and Grubb is right, the muscle is mostly in the legs. Stay Gordo!
I can imagine you towering over them. Those guys don’t give off the friendliest vibe. And they were shorter than I expected. And a few small guys who hadn’t grown the huge belly yet or maybe it’s a new wave of healthier sumo-Ing.