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Sumo Club 2002	Main Sumo Page	or ASIJ  Elementary
The season started shortly after spring vacation and continues until the Wampaku Tournament sponsored by the Chofu Jaycees, on Sunday, May 19.  The tournament was grand with ASIJ rikishi doing very well. Click to view the tournament results. Over 80 students participated in the practice sessions, which is nearly a record turnout.

The practice sessions focus on these skills: Younger students concentrate on the first seven skills.

1.  Attitude and ''sumo face" as well as Japanese "sumo" vocabulary

2. Safety & rules including moves not allowed in elementary sumo

3. Starting a match: bowing, getting "ready" lowering to face opponent (squat, hands on knees and balanced), and "set," the final starting position.

4. Moving and pushing with power/ counter with a "shoulder push down if they lean too far.

5. Pushing on the front of the mawashi and the spin counter.

6. Push/Pull - push out move, using a side grip on the mawashi.

7. Step across leg trip using a lift and push on the far side of the mawashi.

8. Over the shoulder belt grip and throw down

Each  practices includes partial or full matches which are always fun to watch.

Photos by Mrs. Matai, fifth grader Crispin S., fourth grader Haley V. and Mr. Harrits

Return to the  Main Sumo Page or the ASIJ  Elementary home page.

This page maintained by Mr. Harrits,  e-mail at: jharrits@asij.ac.jp
Last updated: Friday June 14, 2002