After humiliating sumo wrestling defeat in Japan, our InDaily reporter readies for home turf rematch
During an overseas trip in December, InDaily reporter Rory Dowdell was soundly defeated in a sumo wrestling bout by 200kg Toma Tsuguto. Tonight, Dowdell fights for his pride in an epic Adelaide rematch. See the video.
Late last year, I came face to face with an immovable object.
In December, during a trip to Japan, I attended a highly recommended Japanese cultural experience in Osaka: The Sumo Hall Hirakuza.
The night began unassumingly. As I enjoyed my complementary authentic Japanese meal and a few cold beverages, the host provided a comprehensive history of sumo wrestling and an in-depth explanation of the match rules.
Not long after, the sumo wrestlers took centre stage to commence a live demonstration and competitive tournament. Their strength and impressive athleticism for their sheer size was awe-inspiring.
The largest of the bunch was Toma Tsuguto, a former professional sumo champion and the second heaviest wrestler to ever debut at 211 kilograms. To no one’s surprise, Toma was crowned the winner of the night’s tournament.
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At the end of the show, the bravest of crowd members could go into a lucky dip to challenge a wrestler, and weighing in at 95kg, I was one of the lucky few. I was called backstage and swiftly changed into the appropriate wrestling attire.
Not one to shy away from a challenge, I decided to pit myself against the top-of-the-food-chain, Toma.
Now, in front of an Osaka crowd of more than 300 tourists, dressed in a foam sumo suit and completely out of my depth, I wrestled the around 200-kilogram behemoth.
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It’s safe to say I didn’t fare too well in my first sumo bout, as the former sumo champion dispatched me with ease. The eight-year-old girl who next challenged him put up more of a fight. The humiliating defeat left me with a hunger — a fire in the belly — to get my redemption.
I suspected I would have to wait years before returning to Osaka to seek vengeance. But then the news dropped that destiny had stepped in and Sumo Hall Hirakuza announced its team would be making its way outside Japan for the first time ever, exclusively for the Garden of Unearthly Delights.
What a stroke of good fortune. Fate had brought the Sumo Hall to Adelaide, and it would be remiss of me not to go for seconds.
This time the conditions have changed. Since the first match, I have put my body through a rigorous sumo training regime to ensure I am in tip-top shape.
Queue the montage.
A sumo diet consisting of anything and everything has held me in good stead, and hours have been spent mulling over the damning footage of that fateful night in Osaka.
My poor form, choice of footwear (socks), and overall lack of balance have been heavily scrutinised to ensure I don’t make the same mistakes, and I feel more prepared than ever to take on Toma.
This time, I would be performing in front of a red-hot home crowd as the firm underdog, and us Aussies admittedly love an underdog story (hopefully).
Tonight, 6pm, in the middle of The Roundhouse at the Garden of Unearthly Delights, my chance at redemption arrives.
