Beach sumo group founded

[Asashosakari 16,827]

A new group promoting beach sumo as a recreational activity commemorated its establishment with a party in Tokyo on the 15th. Its director, former makuuchi wrestler Tamakairiki explained, "You can't get hurt if you fall down in the sand. We'd like to get both parents and children involved in this." Kitanoumi is also on board in an advisory role. The group aims to organize after-school activities for elementary school children at various beaches across the country.

[Johnofuji 220]

I ran a beach sumo session on the Gold Coast(formerly a japanese prefecture in OZ) with a bunch of soccer players. Of course the front row rugby player won.

We also do it after beach judo training sessions.

I thought about expanding it as a summer sport.It is fun and easy to set up but there was one problem -Sand in the eyes and where the mawashi goes. I suppose that's why the beach volley ball players have such tight shorts.Squinting must keep the sand out.

[Harry 67]

Many okinawan martial arts include sand in the eyes techniques... they only really seem to work on the beach. The eku/kai techniques of splashing sea water into your opponents eyes is also good. Has a rikishi ever saved salt for that? Even worse than henka I suppose (In a state of confusion...)

Edited June 20, 2009 by Harry

[Orion 431]

Many okinawan martial arts include sand in the eyes techniques... they only really seem to work on the beach. The eku/kai techniques of splashing sea water into your opponents eyes is also good. Has a rikishi ever saved salt for that? Even worse than henka I suppose (Whatever above, it is funny...)

Somewhere in the very distant past, with a group called Sumo no Tomo no Kai (Friends of Sumo) I took part in beach sumo in a bikini. Something tells me that it would not be a good idea to try to find the photo -- and not just because I lost to shitatenage. (In a state of confusion...)

[Johnofuji 220]

Many okinawan martial arts include sand in the eyes techniques... they only really seem to work on the beach. The eku/kai techniques of splashing sea water into your opponents eyes is also good. Has a rikishi ever saved salt for that? Even worse than henka I suppose (In a state of confusion...)

Funny you should say that.There is a team in amasumo who are notorious for deliberately getting sand on their hands just prior to a bout to rub in their opponents eyes.I won't say who they are just in case I have to fight one of them at the World Games. Sometimes a ref on the ball will pick it up.

[Washuyama 587]

(Whatever above, it is funny...)

[Kintamayama 40,632]

Article and picture:

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20090625f4.html

[athelitextreme 6]

Article and picture:

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20090625f4.html

Tamakairiki is the former professional sumo wrestler who after he retired openly spoke of the harsh treatment initiates endure. I wonder if this will hamper his efforts to get this type of sumo off the ground.

Edited June 29, 2009 by athelitextreme

[Sasanishiki 57]

Tamakairiki is the former professional sumo wrestler who after he retired openly spoke of the harsh treatment initiates endure. I wonder if this will hamper his efforts to get this type of sumo off the ground.

I doubt it. He might be on the outer with the Sumo Kyokai because of that (although, they seem to have changed their stance on brutality/hazing), but this beach sumo doesn't look like it wants to have anything to do with the Kyokai. Instead, his speaking out about the hazing might actually show him to be a reasonable kind of guy and present an image that is actually appealing to parents and kids (at whom beach sumo is aimed).

[Kintamayama 40,632]

Article and picture:

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20090625f4.html

Tamakairiki is the former professional sumo wrestler who after he retired openly spoke of the harsh treatment initiates endure. I wonder if this will hamper his efforts to get this type of sumo off the ground.

"Kitanoumi is also on board in an advisory role", wrote Asashosakari, so it seems both sides are not exactly distancing themselves from each other.

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

Beach sumo striking new wave for outdoor recreation

No choking, eye gouging, hair pulling, or kicks to the belly allowed. Of course, no throwing sand in your opponent’s face either. This is all in the name of fun.

Beach sumo, for the uninitiated, is one of the most recent outdoor recreations in Japan and has been gaining recognition as a sport to promote the healthy development of children, with the added benefit of protecting beaches by raising community awareness about how to fight global warming.

Tamakairiki, a former professional sumo wrestler who heads the Japan Beach Sumo Federation established last month, came up with the idea to join in efforts to promote beach culture via sports and other activities, the brainchild of the Non-Profit Organization Beach Life Japan.

Shoji Setoyama, a former beach volleyball player who represented Japan at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, founded the NPO to promote community building in 2004. Tamakairiki has already organized several successful beach sumo events.

‘‘I was promoting the beach events so as to have beaches in use all year round. Most highlighted ball playing games (like beach volleyball), but I thought there were other activities you can do in bare feet.’’ Setoyama said. ‘‘Then I consulted Tamakairiki. I hope beaches can be a place of education. I want to help kids’ healthy development.’’

Japanese beaches are often deserted except during the summer and are on the decline due to rising sea levels caused by global warming.

http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifesty...door-recreation

Official Japan Beach Sumo Association Homepage

Edited July 4, 2009 by Otokonoyama

[Pippooshu 1]

Ahahah...In Italy I've tried to make Sumo bouts on the beach with my friends! Many years ago! Before than Tamakairiki's idea! Anyway...Have you seen Sonatine? A famous Kitano's movie? If you'll see it, you'll understand Sumo on the beach is an old idea... (Uwatenage...)

[JariM 29]

Anyway...Have you seen Sonatine? A famous Kitano's movie? If you'll see it, you'll understand Sumo on the beach is an old idea... (Uwatenage...)

I found a clip from youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bONTOt8H1W4...feature=related

Awesome movie btw.

edit:

(Sorry for repeated modifications to the message. This a better link since it only shows the Sumo scene.)

Edited July 4, 2009 by JariM

[Asashosakari 16,827]

Maybe merge with the existing thread...?

[Randomitsuki 2,513]

Maybe merge with the existing thread...?

Done.

[Asashosakari 16,827]

And in not-quite-related news: the Sea of Japan marine sumo tournament, this past weekend on Sadogashima in Niigata prefecture. 180 participants in three age classes from children to adults plus a team competition.