I Spent a Day Training with Real Japanese Sumo Wrestlers

[@TheAnimeMan]

Dive into the world of Honkai: Star Rail now! hoyo.link/6QOC8XEmv

[@Sets.]

A lot of people dont give sumo wrestlers credit for their insane balance considering... well, how big they are...

[@duncanluciak5516]

I'll use an American Football term: Dancing Elephants. Footwork at the rope is important.

[@thomasbecker9676]

@@duncanluciak5516 Lynn Swann of the Pittsburgh Steelers took ballet and credits it for his success as a wide receiver. Nowadays, it's pretty common for lots of athletes to do something similar.

[@freeway1823]

Also their flexibility and mobility. They might look like couch potatos but these guys are real athletes.

[@oomay1925]

It's great seeing your change in content with these immersive interviews!

[@ryana5435]

I think some people in this video are also in “Sanctuary”…is it?

[@BethDoublekickChick]

Loving it too!

[@battlereed4708]

I love the brotherly teasing whilst pushing each other to perform even better, especially showing and helping you into proper technique.

[@saintlotus93]

I'm really happy how much sumo content I've been seeing from western creators the last 2 or 3 years. So excited to see more and more people getting into sumo. Anyone reading this should also know currently (Jan 15th) there is a tournament currently going right now. And the tournaments will always be on the odd numbered months (So Jan, Mar, May, etc) Highly recommend NHK's highlight replays on youtube, or find sumo streams on twitch.

[@minecraftlover8085]

Love this! Also really happy to see more Sumo content by people I never expected! Also how do you think of it so far?! Could Hoshoryu win the Yusho and secure Yokozuna? Kotozakura has been a bit disappointing but well we’ve seen this before when he was in his first Ozeki run.

[@RugbyRyan]

Also get into sumo with your local community!!!!

[@Shots0Clock]

I'm a new sumo fan (only started watching in November 2024) and I've delved deep into something very cool here. I love it. The rituals they perform before their match, the match itself-whether it's over in 3 seconds or 4 minutes, I love it.

[@Whitewingdevil]

Nice! I've always been more fascinated by the culture and rituals surrounding sumo than the intricacies of the matches themselves (though I understand it's far more technical and strategic than it appears), thanks for the vid mate!

[@Sadbringer]

I started watchig sumo a year and a bit ago, and instantly became a big fan. It's an amazing sport, that carries Japanese history and tradition. It's also probably least VIOLENT martial art out there, even with rikishi giving it their all. I'm really enjoying that part as well!

[@LuixXxStar]

Sumo is great. It's awesome seeing the sport getting attention from such a big youtuber, by the way, Ura is one of the most interesting rikishis in modern sumo and is part of Kise beya

[@Kopester]

Despite their appearance, Sumo wrestlers have extreme discipline in their training. When they take DEXA scans they have very high muscle mass. A very fascinating and grueling sport💪

[@Drazer012]

The fact that many of these guys have easily visible quad definition at this high of a body fat % is absolutely nutty.

[@Musashi-pd8yq]

Despite their appearance?!? Are you kidding me?!? Why don't you look at yourself in the mirror first? If you think the Japanese sumo wrestlers are joke and fat men wearing diapers and just hugging, go visit them and try to fight against them. Make sure you cover yourself joining a fully covered health insurance before you go visit them in Japan though.

[@Kopester]

@ Oh boy here come the clowns💀 Learn how to read😭

[@rageagainstmyhairline5574]

It makes me so happy when big KZbinrs cover sumo. It's my favourite sport. Like all sumo fans, I am obsessed, and any extra light shed on the incredibly ancient and unendingly interesting sport of sumo is a wonderful thing. Thanks, Joey.

[@Synest2]

I like how Sumo became quite popular lately, in 2024 quite a lot of youtubers did a video training sumo or visiting and experiencing the sumo wrestlers routine

[@Dephire]

You're right. There's been quite the explosion in sumo videos on youtube lately!

[@Muxeroth]

As they said in the video Sanctuary definitely caused a boom in popularity

[@ryana5435]

@@Muxeroth I think some people in this video are also in “Sanctuary”…is it?

[@Leonlion0305]

I think it was Sensei Seth who I recently found out that he has been doing sumo and actually went to do international tournament. It was really interesting.

[@dirtysnow6662]

Had the opportunity of watching a real sumo practice in Ryogoku last summer. My mind was blown the entire time because of the amount of work it is.

[@ivibewithghosts]

He doesn’t even include his MyAnimeList link in the description these days. He’s truly moved on from being The Anime Man to just Joey Bizinger, an ex-anime enthusiast who just loves talking about Japan, and it’s diverse and unique culture. 🗼❤

[@LuckyStar1Fan]

Both Joey and Connor feeding us good today

[@mattuca1]

thanks to honkai star rail

[@AishwiiRafiq]

And Garnt too!!

[@venjaminffxi]

now this is some quality content

[@vustvaleo8068]

Joey trained as a monk, a samurai, and now sumo wrestling, he is training to slay demons, lol.

[@alisonrobbins1126]

Love this video! I LOVE sumo and am so happy you went in depth to learn about the sport and share it with your English speaking audience. Sumo is a wonderful sport and cultural activity, and I wish more people knew about it and appreciated it's unique beauty.

[@AFurreh]

To any western fans out there who find sumo fascinating but have no idea how to start being a fan, I suggest finding one of the many fantastic online communities out there. People in those communities actively want to help you understand the strange world of this fascinating, wonderful and interesting sport!

[@GuitarJazzatHome]

Love watching your videos the day they come out! Keep up the good work!

[@temporamen]

Holy shit the mad lad. I've seen other videos on it before, if it's anything like that, I can't believe Joey agreed to this, it's tough. Gonna watch the video now.

[@Sirishsharma-h5y]

Ain’t no way.. right after CdawgVa😂

[@ollyfootballtv2000]

They were either in the same place or this is just a very funny coincidence

[@Zoro-dd2lp]

It's madlad Mudan, he is responsible for the release of videos on both channels

[@slyXion]

I just came here from that video🤯

[@Smirnaffskiy]

For me it's right before

[@ACE_but_2000]

Now it's time for garnt with the anime 2024 vid

[@Dephire]

For anyone thinking about getting into watching sumo - DO IT!!

[@duncanluciak5516]

JSA: No, come here to watch. It can be hard to find the matches online.

[@Dephire]

@@duncanluciak5516 Can't disagree with you at all there, friend. There's always NHK highlights, though, for anyone wanting to dip their toes!

[@hegemege]

And the January tournament just started! Great way to get into watching, the NHK World's english commentary for the daily highlights is the easiest entry to the sport imo

[@signofthewind4924]

Don Don has the best daily highlights and he does short breakdowns that make it a lot more interesting. the january tournament is happening rn and keeping up daily is lotsa fun. i’m rooting for hoshoryu

[@mmafan8965]

You can also watch the January tournament live by searching for sumo on twitch and it’s a ride. My boy Nabatame needs to lock in

[@kadajsnightqueen]

I have a ton of respect for sumo wrestlers. They’re so dedicated to their sport, training, and traditions (calling it a “sport” actually feels like I’m undercutting it, even disrespectful, but I don’t have a better word to use), they put a lot of athletes to shame. So many people make fun of their size without acknowledging the reason for it (I even remember a segment on ESPN several years back where two rikishi, including Byamba, came on one of the news shows-maybe Sports Central? I’m not sure, it was playing on the break room TV at work-and were demonstrating some of the stretching exercises, and the commentators were kind of joking about how they could see their butts), but actually watching a match and seeing and hearing the impact when they collide immediately dispels all notions of humor. They’re awesome athletes, and I believe most of the high school and college level sports players here in the States should meet a rikishi at least once to understand what true dedication is. It would give many of them some perspective about their own chosen athletics.

[@leobuana7430]

Call it duel,it might have lot of rule and not to death but it still as serious as "first to draw blood" duel

[@proteustsaimsaim2240]

That was very awesome & thank you for this wonderful inside look into the world of Sumo. Thank you Joey. Success & Excelent health to all members of the Kisebeya Stable.

[@KakutouFlo]

Wow, really interesting and informative look in the world of Sumo. And respect for putting yourself in the ring and endure the training. 🔥👊🏼 Good job!

[@itachi_han]

*Connor uploaded a new video 15 hrs ago *Joey uploaded a new video 15 hrs ago *Garnt uploaded a new video 10 hrs ago All thanks to mudan. (Correct me if I'm wrong)

[@zUuLCj15]

16:19 They were talking about kimarite that they had never seen before, but Ura zeki appeared in the reference video😂 見たことない決まり手の話なのに当然のように参考映像に出てくる宇良で笑いましたww

[@DominikD00]

mistake in 16:32 Ura used Tasuki-zori - Reverse backwards body drop not Shumoku-zori - Bell hammer backwards body drop

[@zUuLCj15]

​@@DominikD00おぉ、映像は襷反りなんですね！ Wow, I didn't notice it at all! Thank you for your comment

[@AnnaMorimoto]

I think Ura used 撞木反り shumoku-zori once in university. His opponent was also a university student, and probably lighter than a pro rikishi, but still an extremely rare move even at the university level.

[@djstevie69]

This is probably the best video for me that you've ever done Joey. You showed the right amount of respect to these guys. I've enjoyed sumo since the 1980s and always respected the skill and power of these athletes. Kudos! ❤

[@Grovenstein]

I've been wanting to get into sumo wrestling and I appreciate you covering such a sick sport

[@humanman4152]

As a sumo fan look up the video called ”The truth about sumo wrestling” it goes over all the basics you need to know. Plus watch NHK japans tournament they’re showing right now. It’s easy to understand

[@Dephire]

Please get into it! It's simple to understand, but the sport is as deep as the ocean with its rich history and inner-complexities!

[@humanman4152]

You totally should! I’d recommend watching a video called ”The truth about sumo” it goes over all the basics. And right now NHK Japan on KZbin is showing this January’s basho (tournament) so it’s a great place to start

[@gilligan6868]

Google sumo forum. It's a message board/chat for sumo fans. Lots of resources there and people don't have a problem answering questions from folks new to sumo.. I've been a sumo fan for almost 50 yrs and still learn new things occasionally from the great people there.

[@Betortitas89]

You can start by watching the tournament that is happening right now. You can watch a stream and interact with chat to answer your questions

[@Sparklehunt3r]

Finally a video about sumo! My husband is a huge sumo fan and he couldn't be happier about this😁

[@maisytrain86]

I just got into sumo a few months ago. I'm obsessed. You doing a video is perfect!!

[@mairi_de_provenca]

I find the calming energy of the sumo athletes so attractive. ❤

[@masgkickmas0n821]

And released during the Hatsu Basho! As an anime and martial arts junkie it feels like i went a full circle on your channel Joey!

[@justasimpleguardian3672]

I love that you posted this during the January tournament man. As an avid sumo enjoyer, I really enjoyed this video and your experience with it.

[@roufas7595]

Thanks a lot for the video Joey. When I was a kid and lived back in Brazil I had the opportunity to watch sumou wrestles a lot in cable TV (by accident at first but then I got addicted haha). Thanks for reconnecting to my past, I am so proud of all the hard work they put everyday to make this sport possible.

[@joaomatos8286]

Great Video! Always love exercise related stuff

[@Yquan151]

Been watching sumo for about 5 years, glad i could enjoy Hakuho still fighting. For anyone interested in watching more sumo, definitely watch documentaries about him. The best, or one of the best of all time. Hope to one day be able to see it in person, it's on my bucket list. Thanks for the Video Joey, banger!

[@TheFatterBanana]

Great video! I am always pumped to see some of the youtubers I follow give a more in depth look into sumo. It allows foreigners to get a view into the sport that we typically don't get to see.

[@denisetaylor4528]

Shimanoumi has been one of my faves for many years now, and eating Chanko with Akiseyama! Nice one

[@kickinacoustic6119]

33:03 one possible reason for the lifespan difference may be similar to other sports where when an athlete retires they start to gain weight or lose weight very quick which can cause health issues even if they were healthy throughout their career. Active athletes no matter the size are going to need to be within a range of healthy to perform. So I think there is the more stereotypical athlete retires and they stop all the exercise and lose muscle and gain fat. For bigger athletes they can move towards a more normal “healthy” diet and lose weight. However this can cause rapid weight loss which can cause massive health issues and you can have situations where someone weighs 100kilo and ends up in the hospital with anorexia.

[@goblin12]

This video was amazing as someone who has always loved the idea of sumo but being on the other side of the pond i always had alot of questions this helped clear up alot thank you for that and thank you for giving these amazing athletes the chance to be known outside japan

[@TheFrerc]

They seem like realy great guys. jumping straight in to make sure you get the exercises right

[@copathechopa2802]

I love sumo so much, i hope you guys are watching the January basho its incredible so much is on the line for so many people. Sumo is like the perfect combo between sport and soap opera.

[@vick0527]

Joey we were literally talking about sumo wrestlers in class today, wtf

[@LionelTheSA]

Akiseyama and Shimanoumi. I remember how Akiseyama moved his hands like swimming right before his bouts.

[@PuuberZ]

Right now there is a Sumo tournament on in Japan. We are currently at day 5 of 15. You should definitely give this sport a try as it is super entertaining.

[@kunou_noah]

Weird timing, just when I'm getting into Sumo, Mudan and Josh makes a video.

[@grayrook8637]

Thanks Hinomaru Sumo for getting me into this sport as a spectator.

[@Kiranoir]

monk joe training in sumo, while monk-e connor doing crane game 😂😂😂😂

[@megalodon811]

Thanks a lot for the video, Joey! I definitely became more interested in learning more about the world of sumo wrestlers!

[@Phannypackster]

I appreciate this video so much. People don't realize how much of a grind the lifestyle is.

[@kelsie_o3o516]

This was a really fantastic and insightful video. I really enjoyed learning more about sumo and all the hard work that goes into it. Props to you Joey for partaking in their training!

[@ahirune3169]

The January tournament is currently on going. Everyone interested should look up some of the different streamers watch partying the event on youtube and twitch. Today is day 5 and will be going 10 more days.

[@whataboutthings]

Damn, this was sick. I'm a long time huge Sumo fan so seeing you do this was awesome. It was sad to not get to see you talk to Ura, who is from Kisebeya and also one of the most popular Rikishi among non-Japanese sumo fans. But I understand that someone like Ura is very busy. Good on you for showing how awesome Sumo is though!

[@Jli-vz3ok]

W video as always MORE SUMO STUFF PLEASE!!! 🙏

[@Aronim1980]

I had the fortune to visits the Shikoroyama stable the day before the September 2024 Tournament started. The intensity those guys train with made me respect them even more and to think they Train for close to 5 Hours before eating anything in the Morning is just insane to me.

[@colinmathie2710]

I cant wait to watch this, sumo is awesome, i got into it about 3-4yrs ago.

[@Kamomille19]

Very interesting video and well paced, alternating between the training and interview was a great editing choice! I just loved the vibe and the sumos energy when you were doing the training with them 😂

[@wido7676]

Oh wow I’m early, excited to watch

[@snowfox94]

This videos was awesome

[@jacobdrolet4262]

Amazing video anime man aka Joey on sumo wrestling and the life of Japanese sumo wrestlers lifestyle,fantastic job.

[@Lws_wrld39x]

This channel should be renamed the Japan man

[@DominikD00]

mistake in 16:32 Ura used Tasuki-zori - Reverse backwards body drop not Shumoku-zori - Bell hammer backwards body drop

[@EJL88]

Thank you for covering a sport I fell in love with while living in Japan. The Rikishi put a lot on the line. Even their lives at times as the sport lost Hibikiryu around 4 years ago. I just wish the JSA would be more open to giving fans more access to the sport. Going to the different sumo events at the Kokugikan will always be a cherished memory of mine.

[@johnnypollack3243]

Keep up the amazing work and videos Joey love it

[@melstormnobles]

There's big things going on in Grand sumo right now The new year's tournament has a pretty good chance for someone to be promoted to yokozuna

[@ちゃんぽん-u4e]

私は昔、墨田区に住んだ事があります。同じアパート（日本国で言うマンション）にお相撲さんが住んでいました。近所にはお相撲さん専用の衣料品店があり、どでかいスヌーピーのＴシャツとか売ってましたね。町内を触れ太鼓が回っていましたよ。横綱 千代の富士の時代です。

[@BethDoublekickChick]

You're a brave man! Well done mate 🤘I love learning about sumo wrestlers, the training and diets etc, this is an excellent documentary 🏆 arigato gozaimasu! 🙏💜🤘

[@Atlas_Redux]

Both of them were brilliant interview objects, charming as hell.

[@g_vaibs8005]

Anyone who thinks sumo is not impressive, has never been fat in their life , being able to move like that while carrying so many pounds I think is much more impressive than having super low body fat percentage.

[@Dephire]

Technically, rikishi do have an average body fat percentage. They have a lot of muscle beneath their subcutaneous fat.

[@bushidobronx]

In March I'm taking my sister and brother to their very first Sumo match. I was wondering how I can give them a primer on the sport. Well thank you Joey for supplying the perfect Sumo primer for my newbie family! I'm sure after watching your video, they will have a greater appreciation for both the sport and the men that compete in it. You did a wonderful job. Thank you!

[@AnnaMorimoto]

Go early in the morning, I've seen some disappointed families come in the afternoon and miss many of the fun events. Come in time for the morning drums for the full experience.

[@Palington]

The moment Joey asked about the rarest kimarite, I just knew Ura footage was bound to follow.

[@DominikD00]

mistake in 16:32 Ura used Tasuki-zori - Reverse backwards body drop not Shumoku-zori - Bell hammer backwards body drop

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

Ahhhh! My guy, Wakatakakage defeated Yokozuna Terunofuji on Day 1…I’m stoked for the remainder of the Jan 2025 tournament! edit: 11:42 This reminds me of when I try to teach guitar to someone who’s never really played before - ITS REALLY HARD! 😂

[@GreenMiscreant]

Nice to see that Shimanoumi still has his motivation despite his sharp drop from a Makuuchi mainstay. I hope to see him there at least a little bit again before age really catches up to him

[@Yama_KUN25]

For anyone who hasn't read hinomaru sumo i highly recommend it, it is very well written, has great characters and is relevant to sumo as it shows some things that aren't seen very often in the grand sumo tournaments but are still part of the sport, like the water brake that happens when a bout reaches the 4 minute mark.

[@DrawingWaBallpointPen]

What a great video!

[@15plus2isnot39]

I am surprised you were able to do the feet sliding so easily. I have watched a few different people try that and they always seem to have difficulty getting their feet to stay down.

[@gingercore69]

As a fan of sumo, i really liked this video 💜

[@NostalgiaCorner09]

Honestly I gained so much respect for sumo wrestlers after watching this video. And actually came to think that they look so fucking badass. I have been thinking that sumo is kinda interesting but nothing else, so this video definitely got me invested in sumo

[@Leonlion0305]

Hinomaru Sumo definitely got me more into Sumo, it is a really interesting show. It is really fascinating how hard sumo wrestlers train to get how good they are at balancing.

[@benjaminhenry7593]

He'll yeah brother, been a sumo fan since pandemic and I can't get enough. I learned to read hiragana mostly from watching Abema and seeing the wrestler names. Rikishi have a tough life, even at the top. Each one has their own unique story and struggles. Nowadays when I talk to nihonjin and mention I love sumo, they kind of laugh a bit and tell me that sumo is for おばちゃんとおじちゃん. Rn the hatsu basho is going on in Tokyo, good luck to all wrestlers! You went to Kise beya, did you get to meet とびざる? He's the best, he just beat Yokozuna! Edit: Bro you got to eat next to the legendary grandpa himself, Akiseyama! Hes a fan favorite

[@ausreir]

Wonderful! Thank you very much.

[@exxor9108]

My younger brother watches sumo every time there is a tournament going on. He started watching it a year or so ago, and hasn't missed a single tournament since.

[@causticorator618]

I've been watching Sumo for just over a year now. It's a great sport.

[@colinmathie2710]

Fair play to you Joey, they sure put you through your paces.

[@gacchan]

This was a great vid. I loved learning. I'm so impressed by their flexibility, man. I'm big too, but my god, I wish I could stretch like that.

[@misterprickly]

R.I.P Akebono, multi time yokozuna. I still remember when BIG John Tenta (aka the Earthquake) worked as a sumo before jumping into professional wrestling. Fun fact: when Tenta had his sumo match with the wrestler called Yokozuna, John had to teach him how to do sumo, so the match would look legit.

[@Ordo1980]

25:04 That is a mantra. I've immediately thought about the episode where Joey was training in a Shingon temple.

[@Geo255420]

47:55 the best part of Sumo. You don't get to eat until you get thrown around a lot

[@Joe-nj3bb]

We've always wanted to see KZbinrs interviewing sumo wrestlers and visiting their dojos, but I guess it takes someone like The Animé Man for permission to be granted. This was perfect timing with the current tournament in Tokyo. I remember an episode of Rurouni Kenshin having a sumo wrestler as part of the story. 16:30 Alot of other wrestlers say Shimanoumi has a nice smile and you can see it here. 😁 30:53 Ya! I feel like this going to become a meme. 🤔 35:36 I still remember the fight between Chiyotaikai and Kotomitsuki that I saw in person. The tsuppari was pretty intense. 45:19 Remember to stay cool, calm and collected in the ring. 😉

[@drgirlfriend7245]

Much respect to all parties involved

[@bonehead007]

Also I believe Chris Broad is probably the best suited for sumo, size wise lol. Name wise also I guess rofl :P

[@thomasbecker9676]

His massive calves give him a lower center of mass, too.

[@bonehead007]

@@thomasbecker9676 you have been researching deep! Does Sharla need to worry :P

[@AxGiDend]

I am loving this series. previous Samurai, now Sumo, maybe next Ninja?

[@Phannypackster]

HELL YEAH ANIME MAN LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Fellow sumo fan.

[@deadend4685]

I find it very coincidental that Joey, Garnt, and Connor’s videos all have an HSR Ad to them.

[@senseikiske24]

Awesome content :)

[@Raver_S_Thompson]

Wait, 65kg and 5’8”!?! So you’re saying there’s a chance!

[@41tinman41]

time to do those reps, all 200 of them daily.

[@Satrynx]

Joey's sparring match reminded me of the creator clash matchup between epicmealtime's Harley Morenstein vs Game Grump's Arin Hanson. Size difference alone can nigh seem insurmountable.

[@SilkyC]

People truly underestimate the power, skills, flexibility and balance of sumo wrestlers!