About SumoDan
Dan Kalbfleisch is the 5-time, and current, US Sumo Champion, holding both the heavyweight and openweight titles. He has competed across the country, and even represented the United States overseas at the Sumo World Championships. Dan has appeared in film (Ocean's Thirteen), on television (Good Morning America, National Geographic Explorer), and at nationwide exhibitions (Arnold Schwarzenegger Sports Festival, Los Angeles Fix Expo). Dan is a proud member of the United States Sumo Federation, and enjoys demonstrating, teaching, and representing sumo in America.
Dan was introduced to sumo in 2005 when he saw the documentary Sumo East and West. He had a background in wrestling, bodybuilding, and weightlifting, and was determined to give the ancient sport of sumo a try. During the next two years, Dan traveled across the USA, competing in every tournament he could. He won titles in Idaho, New Mexico, Georgia, Wyoming, and of course California.
In 2007, Dan won his first US National title after defeating of all his opponents in the openweight division. He continued his American dominance in 2008 and 2009 by not only retaining his openweight title, but winning the heavyweight title as well. As 5-time US Champion, Dan's goal now is to be the second American to win a gold at the Sumo World Championships.
SumoDan's Titles
| 2005 Shunbun Middleweight Champion | 2007 Idahoan Openweight Champion |
| 2005 California Middleweight Champion | 2007 California Heavyweight Champion |
| 2005 Shuubun Heavyweight Champion | 2007 California Openweight Champion |
| 2005 Shuubun Openweight Champion | 2007 United States Openweight Champion |
| 2006 Goltz Openweight Champion | 2007 Shuubun Heavyweight Champion |
| 2006 California Heavyweight Champion | 2007 Shuubun Openweight Champion |
| 2006 California Openweight Champion | 2008 United States Heavyweight Champion |
| 2006 Highlander Openweight Champion | 2008 United States Openweight Champion |
| 2006 Georgia Heavyweight Champion | 2008 Snake River Heavyweight Champion |
| 2006 Georgia Openweight Champion | 2008 Snake River Openweight Champion |
| 2006 Shuubun Heavyweight Champion | 2009 Shunbun Heavyweight Champion |
| 2006 Shuubun Openweight Champion | 2009 Shunbun Openweight Champion |
| 2006 Idahoan Openweight Champion | 2009 United States Heavyweight Champion |
| 2007 Goltz Heavyweight Champion | 2009 United States Openweight Champion |
| 2007 Goltz Openweight Champion | 2009 California Heavyweight Champion |
| 2007 Shunbun Heavyweight Champion | 2009 California Openweight Champion |
| 2007 Shunbun Openweight Champion |
About Sumo
The sport of sumo originated in Japan over 1,500 years ago. Although similar to belt-wrestling styles found in other ancient civilizations, sumo began as a form of ritual to the gods, with prayers for an abundant harvest. Throughout the centuries, sumo has evolved from Shinto ceremonies, to warrior combat training, to an entertaining sport for all social classes. Modern sumo exhibits much of this history through its disciplined training, pre-bout rituals, and mutual respect between athletes.
The object of sumo is to force your opponent out of the 15-foot ring, or onto the ground. You can push, thrust, trip, or flip your opponent, but punching and kicking are prohibited. A common strategy for controlling your opponent is to grab the mawashi (belt). The simplicity of the rules, combined with the variety of winning techniques, makes sumo an exciting spectator sport.
In addition to being Japan's national sport, sumo is growing in popularity around the world. Professional sumo has over 20 foreign wrestlers, while International amateur sumo has participants from over 80 countries. The International Sumo Federation is even recognized by the International Olympic Committee, with hopes of sumo becoming an Olympic sport in 2012. The ancient ideals of respect, honor, and self-improvement make sumo a popular sport among athletes of all cultures.