What it Takes to Be a Sumo Champion

We need strength, speed, balance, and flexibility.

Because in my sport Im trying to quickly move a human who is my own weight, I do a lot of explosive lifts using weights equal to my bodyweight. Ill put 360 on the bar and do five back squats, front squats, or hang pulls. I keep the weight low and the intensity high. I try to make the bar move as quickly as possible. I also do yoga, jujitsu, Greco-Roman wrestling, play basketball-I can dunk.

I keep the weight low and intensity high

I won a national championship at 380 pounds, and Ive competed at 395. But I like 360. I feel like Im faster and just as strong. And my energy level in my daily life is better. Whats it like to be 6-foot-5, 385 pounds? I dont get to have a style. When Im able to find a pair of shoes or pants that fit, thats what I have to buy. I had to put my work desk on blocks, and I used an oversize office chair. Ive always wanted to work on cars, but I cant get my big hands in the engine very well.

That moment when we squat down before a match, some guys use it to intimidate or stare down the other guy. I always look right at my opponents heart and empty my thoughts. I completely relax and stay in the moment so I can react better and not anticipate how the match will go. Sometimes we start and we have a big clash, and other times Im able to move the guy like butter. Im never trying to hurt the person. Im trying to manipulate their body with force.