Bulgarian sumo wrestler Kotooshu Katsunori (Photo by Dave Learn) Before 1964, sumo was solely reserved for jumbo Japanese wrestlers until Jesse Kuhaulua, a native Hawaiian, became the first foreign-born rikishi, or professional sumo competitor. When he retired, he ran a sumo stable in Tokyo and recruited fellow Americans, including the 1993 grand champion, Akebono. But Americans weren't the only ones to take the ancient ritualistic sport by storm, as other foreigners -- including Eastern Europeans and other Asians -- now fill the ranks, or banzuke. In fact, the top title of yokozuna has been exclusively held for three years by Asashoryu -- a 326-pound Mongolian who won all six honbasho tournaments in 2005. This weekend, at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center, the rikishi step into the ring for the last time this year to showcase their techniques and traditional ceremonies in the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament. Will the Bulgarian Kotooshu, a.k.a. "the David Beckham of Sumo," prevail, or will the body-slamming Asashoryu claim victory again? Suggested Sites... Nihon Sumo Kyokai: Beginner's Guide of Sumo - everything you need to know about sumo. The First Post: Sumo Falls to a Mongol Invasion - how do conservative Japanese fans feel about the influx of successful foreign sumo wrestlers? Hawaii's Department of Labor: Professional Sumo Wrestlers - sick of your job? Find out if a sumo wrestling career is ideal for you. Independent Lens: Sumo East and West - see sumo's transformation through the influence of Americans.

Directory categories: Sumo, Wrestling, Sumo Wrestlers

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