Sumo Giants Clash in Amsterdam

Japanese wrestlers a rare treat

This rare event, two years in the planning, was organised by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, which represents the 350 or so Japanese companies established in the country.

The JCC and its partners brought 22 Sumo wrestlers from the Sadogatake beya (stable) to Amsterdam for the first sumo competition to be held in Europe for 25 years.

They came not to give a performance but two nights of hard fought competition between stable members, which includes several up-and-coming sumo stars and a former winner of the Emperor’s Cup, the Bulgarian Kotooshu (everyday name: Kaloyan Mahlyanov).

As such, it was the perfect opportunity for the host nationality to deepen its appreciation of Japanese culture, as well as the many Japanese living in the Amsterdam area to enjoy a rare night of their traditional 1500-year-old sport.

The wrestlers were also present on Saturday and Sunday at Amstelveen Japan Festival, but only for photo opportunities.

Sumo wrestlers & sport introduced

The evening opened with a Japanese drum performance by children from the local Japanese school. Then the 22 wrestlers of the Sadogatake beya and the its master, Manshu Sadogatake were introduced,

There followed a presentation of basic sumo moves and shokkiri (techniques), given in a slapstick way.

More seriously, the audience had the history and ritual significance of Japan’s national sport explained; it is a demonstration, via the wrestlers’ strength and technique, of respect for the gods. 

Kids versus giants

One of the delights of the evening was watching sumo wrestlers being challenged by children (age 9-11) from the Japanese School in Amstelveen, the youngsters being tossed around like dolls, the wrestlers feigning falling over.

With Kotooshu serving as the model, there followed a demonstration of Kamiyui, the art of creating the elaborate topknot hairstyles, which takes a two-year apprenticeship to learn.

Wrestlers, do your best!

Then in the second half, to cries of gambare! (Do your best!), the matches began. The simple aim: to push the opponent out of the ring or force him to touch the dirt of the ring (or dohyo) surface with any part of the body other than the feet.

Unlike most other combat sports there are no weight classes, so ‘small (75 kg) wrestlers are obliged to use speed and technique to defeat the real giants (up to twice their size). The slaps of 150-kg wrestlers crashing into each other could be heard around the city’s largest auditorium.

Following two rounds and 16 matches, a thrilling the three-way final between the Bulgarian Kotooshu, 25-year-old Kotoshogiku and the 33-year old veteran Kotomitsuki from Okazaki City, was won by the latter.