Sumo-nator 2: Reporter’s wrestling judgement day
After a humiliating defeat in Japan, InDaily reporter Rory Dowdell climbed back into an Adelaide ring last night to cement another great rematch into local sport folklore. See the video.
Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier in 1974. Evander Holyfield vs Mike Tyson in 1997. John Cena vs The Rock at Wrestlemania 29. Rocky Balboa vs Apollo Creed in Rocky II.
Last night, another rematch cemented itself into combat sport folklore.
It had been two long and arduous months since I last stepped into the sumo wrestling Thunderdome in Osaka where I took on the legendary Toma Tsuguto. Since then, I have subjected myself to a strict diet, training and strategy plan.
Each night I would watch the footage of my previous defeat, assessing the move set of now arch-nemesis Toma Tsuguto to see where I went wrong. I fashioned a clear battle strategy in my head that I thought would be foolproof. Now, it was time to put the strategy into action.
On Tuesday night, The Garden of Unearthly Delights’ Roundhouse venue was filled with Adelaidians young and old ready to learn and engage in Japan’s national sport of sumo wrestling.
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The show was an informative and impressive showcase of sumo culture as each of the wrestlers went head-to-head in the ring. This time, to my shock, the 200 plus kilogram beast Toma was defeated by underdog Matsu. Seeing Toma lose filled me with confidence. It could be done.
Following the completion of the sumo competition, the lucky few from the crowd with special wristbands were picked to face a sumo wrestler on stage.
My time had finally come, and soon I was ushered backstage to change into the appropriate sumo suit attire. My heart began to race as the long-awaited rematch swiftly approached.
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I removed my socks before stepping onto the stage, a key pitfall of my Osaka bout that saw me lose balance.
I stepped out onto the mat and looked Toma dead in the eye before the referee started the match. Fast footwork was my main strategy as I aimed to stay nimble against the giant. I got a few slaps on Toma before he quickly grabbed hold of my arm and hit me with a demoralising suplex.
The crash on the mat was a sickening blow, not only to my poor elbow, but to my psyche as well. My rigorous training regime wasn’t enough to overcome the oppressive force of Toma.
The cheers and applause from the hometown crowd raised my spirits momentarily, but deep down inside I knew the time spent preparing was all in vain.
Ancient Greek poet Homer once wrote, “even a fool learns something once it hits him”.
Homer Simpson famously said, “you tried and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try”. Both these quotes sum up my sumo wrestling career to a tee. Perhaps I would be better inclined in another combat sport or none at all.
The Sumo Hall Hirakuza is exclusive to the Garden of Unearthly Delights until March 22.
