Asashosakari 16,483 Posted May 9, 2006 (Punk rocker...) Why is first name is Kobe I don't know, but it very likely isn't related to the city. I might be falling for an urban legend here (doesn't seem so though, at least I can't find any debunkings via Google), but apparently he was named either for Kobo steaks that his parents saw on a Japanese restaurant menu, or for the restaurant itself... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest iwajima Posted May 9, 2006 What is the correct name for a sumo then ? Please help here as I wish to use the correct terminology and I ma sorry that you hate it .By the way who is Kobe Bryant, is he named after his fathers first name and his birth place? Don't worry about that Kobe guy. Bryant is his (and his fathers) surname. Why is first name is Kobe I don't know, but it very likely isn't related to the city. You can call the guys sumo wrestlers or rikishi. ok thanks for the info (Whistling...) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jakusotsu 4,538 Posted May 9, 2006 ...apparently he was named either for Kobo steaks that his parents saw on a Japanese restaurant menu, or for the restaurant itself...Interesting. For some reason I thought they were only available at Miyagino-beya, particularly after some vivid keiko sessions with the new Ozeki. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asashosakari 16,483 Posted May 9, 2006 ...apparently he was named either for Kobo steaks that his parents saw on a Japanese restaurant menu, or for the restaurant itself...Interesting. For some reason I thought they were only available at Miyagino-beya, particularly after some vivid keiko sessions with the new Ozeki. (Whistling...) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sasanishiki 57 Posted May 9, 2006 In Japanese "rikishi" literally means "Strong man" and is used for professional sumo wrestlers. We use wrestler because that is the closest English term for what they do. However, in Japanese amateur sumo competitors are called "senshu" which is the word for athlete. I prefer to call amateur competitors athletes. There are a number of good Japanese sumo athletes in the amateur ranks because they have so many tournaments and good systems in place to develop these athletes. Other countries produce very good and effective athletes as well but not in the same numbers as Japan might. For example, the very best of a country like Germany or Russia might be better than the best Japanese (although it is probably be pretty equal). However, the 40th best sumo athlete from japan would be so much better than the 40th best from Germany, Russia or any other strong sumo country. that 40th ranked japanese athlete would also likely be a lot better than the best sumo athletes in a country like Australia, Hong Kong or Italy. That gives you an idea of the depth Japan has. So, that is why the WSL events could be good, but also why the promoters would want to get japanese athletes involved. I believe there are a few political aspects within amateur sumo that need to be overcome before that might be a possibility for this league. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doitsuyama 1,139 Posted May 10, 2006 So, that is why the WSL events could be good, but also why the promoters would want to get japanese athletes involved. I believe there are a few political aspects within amateur sumo that need to be overcome before that might be a possibility for this league. There are three Japanese athletes listed, and one won in New York as you know. You make your last sentence sound like there aren't so I wanted to set that straight. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest iwajima Posted May 10, 2006 Or sumotori thanks for the info Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tetsuzukiyama 0 Posted May 10, 2006 Other info on the tour: There is a Canadian date already, although I'm watching it being moved around from day-to-day. Either next Thursday or the Tuesday after. So already we've got an International Tour on our hands. Before the Madison Square Gardens show the promoter mentioned that he wanted their wrestlers to take on the Ozumo wrestlers 'next year'. I cannot for the life of me see that happening so he must not know too too much about how seriously the Japanese take this stuff. You'd never get 100% from a Sekitori outside of a Hon-basho, no matter what the prize money. If they can pull ex-Sekitori... that would be soooo messy. Other facts... 'over 100 wrestlers', tour starts in the U.S. and goes through Europe, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Oh, cities: London, Paris, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest, Warsaw, Las Vegas, Santiago, Sydney, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Detroit, Oakland, CA, and New York. "NBD TV has already sold two 90-minute specials and 26 hour specials from the WSL Mega Tour to Flextech in the UK which will broadcast the series in the summer on its Challenge Channel." "World-class International sumo is a global phenomenon and there are professional Sumo organizations in more than 80 countries. " ... that isn't right, is it? Maybe Ama-Sumo orgs... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sasanishiki 57 Posted May 11, 2006 So, that is why the WSL events could be good, but also why the promoters would want to get japanese athletes involved. I believe there are a few political aspects within amateur sumo that need to be overcome before that might be a possibility for this league. There are three Japanese athletes listed, and one won in New York as you know. You make your last sentence sound like there aren't so I wanted to set that straight. Well, the Japanese guy that won last year won't be competing unless he cuts ties with the amateur organisation in Japan because the Nihon SUmo Renmei and the IFS aren't giving consent to this year's tour from what I hear. As to the Japanese athletes on the website...if one of them is Kaleo, he is not Japanese by either name or looks. He might be part Japanese, but I would hazard the guess that he is actually from Hawaii, made it into the lower ranks of ozumo and then dropped out. He would've been billed as a Japan representative to boost numbers (educated guess without knowing very much) and he may still reside in Japan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sasanishiki 57 Posted May 11, 2006 Before the Madison Square Gardens show the promoter mentioned that he wanted their wrestlers to take on the Ozumo wrestlers 'next year'. I cannot for the life of me see that happening so he must not know too too much about how seriously the Japanese take this stuff. You'd never get 100% from a Sekitori outside of a Hon-basho, no matter what the prize money. If they can pull ex-Sekitori... that would be soooo messy. Other facts... 'over 100 wrestlers', tour starts in the U.S. and goes through Europe, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Oh, cities: London, Paris, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest, Warsaw, Las Vegas, Santiago, Sydney, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Detroit, Oakland, CA, and New York. "World-class International sumo is a global phenomenon and there are professional Sumo organizations in more than 80 countries. " ... that isn't right, is it? Maybe Ama-Sumo orgs... So much to deal with here: 1. Getting ex-rkishi from ozumo would not be that messy, apart from actually meeting and recruiting them. If you pick a guy that dropped out in jonidan or sandanme or even lower makushita then they will be young, skilful in sumo and probably don't have great career prospects. However, given that the amateur organsisation in Japan seems against the WSL they could be burning bridges if they want to keep competing in Japan after retiring from ozumo. Ex-sekitori (juryo and above) would risk losing too much credibility within Japanese sumo circles (both pro and amateur) for too little money, and they would be too good so the promoters probably wouldn't want them unless they are quite old and have been out of sumo for a long time. Maybe Sentoryu could be a possibility given he is American and has cut all links to ozumo by being in Pride - still the money in Pride is probably better or at least more consistent. 2. All those cities and dates are provisional. I doubt they have yet been organised and I wonder if anyone has heard of a press conference or news release about this that isn't about dates in North America? 3. They are so wrong in saying there are 80 professional organisations around the world. They do mean amateur and are either saying what they say because they are a) ignorant; b) trying to hype up their product; c) both. I think it shows a little of what we might expect from WSL - the facts (and the sumo) will not get in the way of the hype and the spectacle of the event. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asashosakari 16,483 Posted May 11, 2006 I have no idea why (other than that my email address is obviously on file because I registered to read articles at one point in time), but philly.com just sent me the following: Exclusive Discount! Save $20! $52 tickets just $32 for Philly.com email subscribers. Click here and use code "SUMO" [Link to Ticketmaster] (Banner that accompanied the email here.) This is for the WSL event in Philadelphia on June 3rd. Mods, feel free to delete if this is too close to spam, I'm just trying to pass things on in case anyone's interested before the email gets bitbucketed in a few seconds. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yaezakura 0 Posted May 13, 2006 I've seen quite a few tv ads for the Detroit/Auburn Hills event; one station is giving tickets away, and I keep getting friends offering me discount coupons they picked up at other events at the same arena. I'm a little surprised at the amount of publicity, but I don't think it will change many minds about sumo. I would go despite the cheesiness, because there isn't any other financially-viable way for me to see live sumo. Even if there is stupid showy crap around the sumo, the sumo itself is still okay. But I'm going to be out of town that day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Buckton 1 Posted May 26, 2006 it is now lunchtime in Japan - approx 12-14 hours ahead of US time and I found this: May 26, 2006 Auburn Hills MI US Palace at Auburn Hills Event Passed Event Passed Event Passed WTF with this whole thing? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asojima 2,833 Posted May 26, 2006 (edited) it is now lunchtime in Japan - approx 12-14 hours ahead of US time and I found this:May 26, 2006 Auburn Hills MI US Palace at Auburn Hills Event Passed Event Passed Event Passed WTF with this whole thing? A check of the ticket sellers in the Detroit area and local press coverage indicates that it is still a go for tomorrow night. Edited May 26, 2006 by Asojima Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Buckton 1 Posted May 26, 2006 tomorrow being 26th? Today for me I guess? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sasanishiki 57 Posted May 27, 2006 it is now lunchtime in Japan - approx 12-14 hours ahead of US time and I found this:May 26, 2006 Auburn Hills MI US Palace at Auburn Hills Event Passed Event Passed Event Passed WTF with this whole thing? I presume this is to do with the seling of tickets (?) as this often happens through online ticket agents that stop selling before the actual event. The reason (I believe) is because they physically can't get the tickets to you/to the box office at the event, and so hand the remaining ones over to door sales. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tetsuzukiyama 0 Posted May 27, 2006 Why is it advertised as the World Sumo Leaugue and professing to have the best sumo wrestlers in the world then? Sorry to take so long to respond, but it actually says: The best S.U.M.O wrestlers, which is the Sumo United Masters Organization. If they're as good with their kimarite as they are with their semantics... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asojima 2,833 Posted May 28, 2006 (edited) Four new US sites have been announced for the WSL. The first two events were cancelled. Apparently, the May 26/27 events occurred, but I have found no online media mention of them other than a pre-event big-guys-eating-in-a-deli report out of Chicago. The events are being listed as a 2 hour, 31 bout round robin tournament with a single winner. The announced schedule to date is: North America: Friday, May 19, Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, CT Saturday, May 20, Mid Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, NY Friday, May 26, The Palace at Auburn Hills, MI Saturday, May 27, Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL Saturday, June 3, Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, PA Friday, June 9, Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, NJ Friday, June 16, Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, CA Saturday, June 17, Oakland Arena in Oakland, CA Tuesday, June 20, Everett Events Center in Everett, WA Wednesday, June 21, Rose Gardern in Portland, OR Friday, June 23, Glendale Arena in Glendale AZ Saturday, June 24, Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas NV Edited May 28, 2006 by Asojima Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asojima 2,833 Posted May 29, 2006 Other planned venues are: Australia and New Zealand: August South America early September Ireland and the United Kingdom mid to late September Europe late September to mid-October The top 24 point-earners on the World Mega Tour will be invited to compete for the 2006 WSL World Championship title at Madison Square Garden in New York City on October 21, 2006. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asojima 2,833 Posted May 29, 2006 Two new Florida dates have been announced. The announced North America schedule to date is: Friday, May 19, Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, CT Saturday, May 20, Mid Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, NY Friday, May 26, The Palace at Auburn Hills, MI Saturday, May 27, Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL Saturday, June 3, Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, PA Friday, June 9, Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, NJ Sunday, June 11, Bank Atlantic (Office Depot) center in Fort Lauderdale FL Monday June 12, St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa,FL Friday, June 16, Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, CA Saturday, June 17, Oakland Arena in Oakland, CA Tuesday, June 20, Everett Events Center in Everett, WA Wednesday, June 21, Rose Gardern in Portland, OR Friday, June 23, Glendale Arena in Glendale AZ Saturday, June 24, Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas NV Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tetsuzukiyama 0 Posted June 5, 2006 Bleh, they just cancelled the Montreal date on June 6th: World Sumo League event cancelled (06/01/2006) PRESS RELEASE Big Boy Productions and the World Sumo League (WSL) regretfully announce that the World Sumo League fight event scheduled for the Bell Centre in Montreal on Tuesday, June 6, has had to be postponed until a future date due to scheduling conflicts involving some of the league Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Buckton 1 Posted June 5, 2006 I think scheduling conflicts means the lads have to go to work! Have a listen to that interview. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yamaneko 0 Posted June 5, 2006 (edited) im hearing now that if you participate in the WSL, you cannot do any Ama sumo events anymore, No national championships, no world championships, no nothing. That would be heavy in that that list has a lot of guys that are regulars on the amasumo circuit. I believe Torsten Scheibler was last years openweight world champion. Stiliyan Georgiev was the world bronze medalist. Petar Stoyanov is always at these amasumo events, etc. etc. Is the ISF really going to bar all of these guys from participating in amasumo events now? Edited June 6, 2006 by Sasanishiki Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Buckton 1 Posted June 5, 2006 IFS events - yes. National Champs - up to national feds. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
