Wrestling With the Big Questions

Sumo wrestling may have originated in Japan 1,500 years ago, but now it's a crossover sensation. Amateurs from around the world gathered at the New Otani Hotel in Los Angeles last month to grapple for gold, silver and bronze medals at the fourth annual U.S. Sumo Open. To win a match, a wrestler must push an opponent out of the ring or make him (or her) touch the ground. No punches or kicking are allowed, but slapping and tripping are. We asked some participants to weigh in.

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Kurt Rightmyer

39, West Covina

Assistant editor, Sharing Ideas magazine

5' 10", 230 pounds

What makes a sumo?

Number one, you have to have heart. You can never back down. Second, you have body, conditioning as well as mental preparation. Three, you have to have technique.

What drew you to sumo?

The warrior spirit. The way of bushido, the way of the samurai, is a philosophy that I respect greatly.

Misconceptions about sumo?

That it's just a bunch of fat guys who are uncoordinated. Sumo is about technique and strength. It's also about grace, the nuance of the subtle, deft touch, the right movement at the right time to catch your opponent off guard. I've seen 400-pound guys do the splits.

How do you psych up for a match?

I need some solitude. I try to create a mental space where you have inner peace but you're ready to explode.

What are your other passions?

I'm a blues guitar player. I'm a published poet. I ran for governor [of California] last year.

How'd you do?

I finished 81st, with 832 votes.

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Amanda Soule

28, Boise, Idaho

Travel agent

6' 3", 380 pounds

How did you become a sumo?

I went to Tokyo to visit friends and they told me the U.S. has women's sumo. As soon as I got back to the States, I looked it up and have just gone from there.

What makes you a sumo?

It's really more the spirit. Having that strength, that power, but being able to control it and focus. The camaraderie is amazing. It's a big-girl sport.

How do you psyche up?

I can't reveal that. It's very personal for everyone.

What opponent is toughest?

Someone who understands that it's psychological as well as physical.

What are your passions besides sumo?

I travel. I love to see new cultures.

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Marcus Barber

33, Hemet

High school music teacher

6' 6", 450 pounds

How did you come to sumo?