Re: [sumo] more on the 1-day Nagoya tournament

["Stephan Dulka" <dulka@alpha.ocn.ne.jp>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Quinlan" <sumo@plusq.net>
To: "'Sumo mail list'" <sumo@sun01pt2-1523.statgen.ncsu.edu>
Sent: Monday, October 06, 2003 6:52 PM
Subject: Re: [sumo] more on the 1-day Nagoya tournament


> I recorded the tournament and then watched it late last night.  It was
> rather theatrical.  I've never thought much about staging fights or taking
> falls, but a lot of the bouts looked rather staged.  In particular,
> Chiyotaikai's loss to Toki looked particularly intentional.   I am certain
> there was some sort of arrangement there.  Also, in Takamisakari's match
> against Wakatoba, they gave each other a really intense/hilarious look
> before the bout.  (Wakatoba did a yakuza impression and Takamizakari did
his
> own best impression of a tough guy, which was cute..) The audience erupted
> into a mixture of laughter and applause.  The only bout that looked really
> sincere and was impressive to watch was Asashoryu against Asasekiryu.  If
I
> had some way of digitizing video I'd post that bout to show, because it
> really was excellent.
> I thought even Asashoryu looked rather relaxed through most of the
> tournament, and wouldn't say that he went all out or used any sort of
> violent techniques.  This whole tournament was basically meant as
> entertainment as far as I understand, and so the results seem to have been
> predetermined.  And it was fun to watch from the perspective of observing
> interpersonal relations through facial expressions etc.
>
> Quinlan

========

Thanks Quinlan, for an honest post.

I've been to JUNGYO where KONISHKI spat water at the referees.

He then carried a (mock)-terrified GYOJI out of the ring and dumped him into
a SHIMPAN'S lap.

Other RIKISHI boxed, pulled hair and made various hilarious gestures.

The crowd ate it up.

SUMO fans want to be entertained.

SUMO is a picnic and brawl rolled into one.

If any of you are against entertainment you are against SUMO.

[EndPost by "Stephan Dulka" <dulka@alpha.ocn.ne.jp>]