Sumo Day: One of the funniest experiences I have ever had. EVER! Last year, Dougie was in his mawashi, participating in the Sumo warmups with the Oldest Class boys, Ian was with the Pony class, crying at the mere thought of being put into the dojo with the "Big Man"!
"I"m going to CRY!" (NOT what I had in mind!)
The day started out with blessing the dojo
The Oldest Class boys warmed up with the Sumo:
We were shown some of the "official" Sumo moves:
The "Champions" had their tournament
The classes all go their shot at the Sumo
And Ian stuck to the back...
the Sumo reached out to "include" him...
And, Ian...
CRIED!
He did EXACTLY what he said he would do!
Ian passed up the opportunity for a lift, but Gavin happily took it!
Ian continues to be scared by the "Big Man"
Step out of the ring though and...
Let the Sumo begin!
The dad's participated in the arm wrestling tournament. Eric "handily" won his first match
Only to turn right around and get immediately schooled! He got handed his consolation prize: the Loser Towel...
Three of the dad's got to get in the ring - not as entertaining as last year when Eric had his chance at stardom - but awesome, none-the-less!
First match - yup! The skinny guy who smoked Eric in the arm wrestling tournament! He has a whole lot of power in those long, lithe limbs!
And a good sense of humor!
Funnier yet - Mr. Giggles! Who knew tickling was an official Sumo move!
This was not a hug of gratitude or "Good Match" - It was one last bid for survival. It didn't work...
He had to take his belt off for safety - We all expected both of them to end up in their undergarments!
Tim Hicks was a definite force to be reckoned with. Eric was thanking his maker last year when he did NOT have to challenge "Chief Hicks" (Senior Chief, I believe...) in arm wrestling. I think you can see why - He is like a buffalo!
That got taken down...
BUT, he was given a second chance!
A fist to the chest...
And the second chance was soon a mistake - and a victory for Tim!
The Taiso Sensei (PE teacher) got a chance
Lightweight!
And a second chance...
Whoah! Heavyweight!!!
Heavyweight Champion, that is!
These boys are perfecting their Japanese in many ways - not just their perfection of the language. But, also their seiza: the Japanese way of sitting on their feet. The way that causes most Americans to cringe! For them, it's just second nature!
* Disclaimer: Part of the appeal of Sumo Day last year was Dougie's "exposure" to Sumo. The other part was with whom I got to share the entire experience. Dougie's Best Frenemy, Kent, and my partner in Mawashi crime, Kent's mom, Carol, are halfway across the world. I have never laughed as hard in my life as I did with our experience last year. Unless we stay to experience Ian in a mawashi, I doubt I will ever laugh as hard again. Considering how hard I laughed... well, it was an experience like none other and shared with a friend, like none other! Carol - I missed you!
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