December 01, 2005

Here come the Bulgarians!: Kaloyan Stefanov Mahlyanov, a.k.a. Kotooshu, has become the first European to rise to the rank of champion in sumo. He even got a mention in the Guardian - At 6ft 8in he is the tallest wrestler in sumo, and has fast become one of the most popular. Since his 2002 debut he has become an ozeki faster than any wrestler since 1958.

posted by JJ to other at 04:59 AM - 10 comments

Damn, I thought this was a quidditch thread.

posted by scully at 06:52 AM on December 01, 2005

That's a huge rikishi. I'm surprised that he can get a low enough center of gravity to be successful at the sport. Looking at his winning techniques, it sounds like he counts on being strong enough to grab and throw people out. I used to follow sumo when Konishiki, Akebono and Musashimaru were the first Americans coming up the top ranks and threatening to become yokozuna (which the latter two did). It's a great sport -- like worshipping offensive linemen as gods -- but there was some ugly xenophobia among Japanese sumo fans. They were having trouble adjusting to the internationalization of their sport. Any sumo fans here who know where to see matches or match highlights?

posted by rcade at 07:42 AM on December 01, 2005

I am trying not to picture the Sportsfilter logo if a sumo section is added.

posted by scully at 08:09 AM on December 01, 2005

Sportsfatter

posted by JJ at 08:56 AM on December 01, 2005

you know what all those techniques mean rcade?

posted by tron7 at 09:44 AM on December 01, 2005

I'll bet Kobayashi could eat that guy.

posted by Desert Dog at 11:43 AM on December 01, 2005

rcade: might want to read what one of my co-workers is saying about sumo and internationalization.

posted by tieguy at 01:38 PM on December 01, 2005

you know what all those techniques mean rcade? Nah -- I looked up uwatenage and yorikiri, the two he's used in 25 of his 59 victories during the last six tournaments. I know some stuff about sumo, but not enough to rattle off the techniques.

posted by rcade at 05:10 PM on December 01, 2005

tieguy, that's a great link. Thanks.

posted by yerfatma at 05:35 PM on December 01, 2005

When your dodgy satellite link way out in the mid-Pacific only picked up NHK, you tend to watch a lot of sumo. It's a pity I never understood the commentary. Or anything else.

posted by owlhouse at 08:59 PM on December 01, 2005

You're not logged in. Please log in or register.