Los Angeles FitExpo Sumo Grand Prix Results - January 24th, 2009

Women’s Openweight

1. Lindsey Hood (USA)
2. Natalie Burns (USA)
3. Erica Sabo (USA)

Men’s Lightweight

1. Stiliyan Georgiev (BUL)
2. Battur Ganbaatar (MGL)
3. Trent Sabo (USA)

Men’s Middleweight

1. Rene Marte (USA)
2. Erdenebileg Alagdaa (MGL)
3. Justin Crite (USA)

Men’s Heavyweights

1. Byambajav Ulambayar (MGL)
2. Petar Stoyanov (BUL)
3. Avtandil Tsertsvadze (GEO)

Men’s Openweights

1. Petar Stoyanov (BUL)
2. Dan Kalbfleisch (USA)
3. Stiliyan Georgiev (BUL)

Check me out at theWB.com as I make an appearance in Eric the Trainer’s new video series New Year, New You.  This series encourages everyone to get fit for the new year, and shows various ways to do so.     

I appear in Episode #5: In The Gym, which features Candice Patton from Sorority Forever, as Eric the Trainer shows her how to take advantage of unique exercise options at the local gym.  Candice gets a chance to try sumo with me, and try stick-fighting with weapons expert Nick Papadakis.

2008 Snake River Sumo Classic - December 13th, 2008

The Snake River Sumo Association held their 6th annual “Sumo in Idaho” tournament this year in Rigby, Idaho: home of Philo T Farnsworth (the inventor of television) and Kelly Gneiting (3-time US Heavyweight Champion)

The weekend started with snow and ice, and a car accident involving Jovann Rushing, Justin Crite, and newcomer Ryan White.  All three survived the accident with a few bumps and cuts, but Crite was the only one still able to compete in the tournament.

In the lightweight category, 3rd in the world Trent Sabo dominated Idaho wrestlers Tyler Olsen and Levi Kendrick.

The middleweights saw the return of 6-time US Champ Rene Marte and 2-time US medalist Patrick Greer.  Greer dominated Marte and Idaho powerhouses Rye McAfee and Matt Anderson to take the gold.

In the heavyweight division, I had to defeat 3-time US Heavyweight Champ Kelly Gneiting and new California Heavyweight Champ Joe Isamau.

In the openweight division, Patrick Greer defeated Rene Marte again to take 3rd.  I beat Kelly again to win my second gold of the day.

Thanks again to Kelly Gneiting, Casey Burns, and the Snake River Sumo Association for hosting another fun weekend with tough sumo competition.

2008 Snake River Sumo Classic Results - December 13th, 2008

Men’s Lightweight

1. Trent Sabo
2. Tyler Olsen
3. Levi Kendrick

Men’s Middleweight

1. Patrick Greer
2. Rene Marte
3. Rye McAfee

Men’s Heavyweights

1. Dan Kalbfleisch
2. Kelly Gneiting
3. Joe Isamau

Men’s Openweights

1. Dan Kalbfleisch
2. Kelly Gneiting
3. Patrick Greer

Here are some photos of the US Sumo Team at the 2008 Sumo World Championships in Rakvere, Estonia.

Finally Practicing Together - I live in Los Angeles, Trent moved to Arizona, Kelly is in Idaho, and Kena lives on a tropical island.  This was the first time we all got to train together, and it was an intense one.  We were joined by Petros of Greece, who added some speed to our workout. 

Team Shirts - We were fitted with US Sumo Team shirts that were provided by our sponsor Eric the Trainer: Fight.  Here, we goof around at the welcome dinner while looking like an organized team.  Thanks again, Eric.

US Embassy Officials - During the tournament, we were asked to pose for photos with some special guests, officials from the US Embassy in Estonia.  We were glad that we had some American fans in the audience, and they were happy to see us do so well.  

The After After Party - After the after party, we were invited to an after after party.  These are the only photos I’m allowed to show.

Next year, the Sumo World Championships will be in Egypt.  The US Sumo Team will be ready.

Here are some photos of me competing at the 2008 Sumo World Championships in Rakvere, Estonia.

SumoDan vs. Yannick Rossi of Switzerland - Yannick was new to sumo, but a pro at drinking.  We hung out at the welcome party, at dinner the night before the tournament, and at the after after party.  I hope he continues with sumo.

SumoDan vs. Alex Davitashvili of Georgia - This guy beat Kelly in the Heavyweight division, and I wanted to avenge his loss.  I did.

SumoDan vs. Dezso Libor of Hungary - At 220 kg (484 lbs), Libor was one of the heaviest in the tournament.  Libor has taken silver and bronze at previous Sumo World Championships, and it was an honor to fight him. 

SumoDan vs. Alan Karaev of Russia - Everyone was shocked when this two time World Champion lost his semi-final match to Joroslav Poriz of the Czech Repuplic.  Now, I had to face him to get the bronze medal.  It was USA vs. Russia, Rocky vs. Ivan Drago.  We had a good tachiai, but neither of us budged.  Then he quickly dragged me forward and the match was over.

This was my second time representing the US at the Sumo World Championships.  I made a few mistakes, but I am still improving (making it into the medal rounds).  I lost the bronze, but I guess fifth in the world isn’t too bad for now. 

Here are some photos of Kelly Gneiting, US Heavyweight Champion at the 2008 Sumo World Championships in Rakvere, Estonia.

Kelly vs. Alex Davitashvili of Georgia

Kelly vs. Marc Haldi of Switzerland

Kelly vs. Daniel Ivanov of Bulgaria

Kelly vs. his hormones

Here are some photos of Kena Heffernan, US Middleweight Champion at the 2008 Sumo World Championships in Rakvere, Estonia.

Opening Ceremony - Kena came out of retirement and was asked to carry the US flag during the opening ceremony.  With this honor comes standing at attention for an hour while sumo officials make speeches.  Sorry Kena.

Kena vs. Victor Pastrello of Brazil

Kena vs. Vincent Heiniger of Switzerland 

Kena vs. Avtandil Tsertsvadze of Georgia

As you can clearly see from the last photo, the Georgian touched the ground before Kena stepped out.  Unfortunately, Kena was still given the loss.  No matter what the result, this was definitely the most exciting match of the day.  Good job Kena.

Here are some photos of Trent Sabo, US Lightweight Champion at the 2008 Sumo World Championships in Rakvere, Estonia.

Trent vs. Takashi Shimako of Japan

Trent vs. Mohamed El Said of Egypt

Awards Ceremony - (L to R) Stiliyan Georgiev, Takashi Shimako, Trent Sabo, Nachyn Mongush 

Congratulations to Trent for his bronze medal win.

The Sumo World Championships were held in Rakvere, Estonia, which is the birthplace of pro sumo wrestler Baruto.  The tournament was held in the newly built Rakvere Sports Center, but the main attractions in Rakvere are the 12th century castle and the Tarvas statue (which was wrapped in a mawashi to welcome us sumo wrestlers). 

The castle and Tarvas at night.  Notice the castle is flying the Japanese flag in honor of the tournament.