Sumo: A Japanese passion catches on in Europe
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WARSAW — A world away from Tokyo, sumo is alive, well and winning popularity. In a large gymnasium at a sports center in the Polish capital Warsaw, workers create a dohyo, or Sumo arena, using 26 tons of clay.
Meanwhile in an adjoining room, young boys with blond and chestnut hair practice the sumo moves of their hefty heroes, dragging their feet towards their coach, legs apart, knees bent and hands clasped in front.
Hundreds of young Poles are now learning sumo, as the ancient Japanese form of wrestling wins popularity in eastern Europe. Warsaw even recently hosted the world amateur sumo championships.
“My brother encouraged me and I’m glad he did,” says Aleksander, a round-faced, blue-eyed, nine-year-old towhead weighing in at 29 kilograms (63 pounds)..... MORE
Source: The Daily Tribune
URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20101022com6.html
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