Sumo Wrestling

The Sumo Wrestling Arena in Tokyo. The seats closest to the center of the action cost up to USD$10,000/hr. Thus all photos are from the nosebleed section.

Score board.

One of the referees. We called them "The Wizards".

(1) Before entering the ring, each wrestler tosses salt into the air for purification.

(2) Get situated.

(3) When both wrestlers are ready both physically and mentally to wrestle they both place their fists on the white lines.

If not.. then they both leave the ring and repeat 1-3 over and over until both are ready. If one wrestler keeps not being ready, then the other wrestler will throw the salt REALLY high to show that he's unhappy with the other guy dragging his heals. At this point the audience gets very excitable and the anticipation increases.

Then it begins.

The face is not off limits.

The belt is a key part of the strategy.

If used properly, an opponent can be lifted into the air with his belt.

If a wrestler has a body part touch the ground other than his feet, he is the looser.

The alternative way to win is to push the other wrestler out of the ring.

The lady in the front row just realized shes about to get some company.

Closing ceremony with the champion of the day.