Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Sumo Wrestlers are known for their large girth and huge stomachs. Their weight varies even in the top division from 200 to over 500 pounds. How many different weight divisions are there in Sumo?
2. The Sumo Ring or Dohyo is considered very Sacred. In the top divisions, salt is thrown into the dohyo to purify it prior to the match. Who is never allowed to step in the Dohyo?
3. Sumo Wrestlers are plagued with health problems, particularly diabetes and liver ailments. Many have died at an extremely young age. Who was the last Yokozuna to die during the 20th century while still being an active wrestler?
4. Winning streaks in Sumo are like any other sport. A combination of skill and luck, nobody can perform 100% every day. Which wrestler won 69 consecutive bouts, the most during the 20th century?
5. Younger Sumo Wrestlers have to rely on their elders for money, as they receive no regular salary until they prove themselves and advance up the ranking ladder. At what rank do Sumo Wrestlers start earning a salary and getting a regular check?
6. Wrestlers can advance to the top division and wrestle there for 10 to 15 years, without ever winning the tournament. Of these four retired wrestlers, which one won more Makuuchi Championships or Grand Tournaments?
7. Sumo is steeped in family tradition. Numerous sons have followed in their fathers footsteps, not to mention brothers who wrestled and succeeded in the sport. Takanohana I, stablemaster of Futagoyama Beya, sired 2 sons (Takanohana II and Wakanohana III) who both rose to the top rank of Yokozuna. What was Takanohana I's top rank?
8. To qualify for Yokozuna, a wrestler not only has to prove himself on the dohyo, but must also be worthy of the promotion based on his demeanor and conduct off the dohyo. Two Yokozuna, Wajima and Futahaguro, did not live up to the standards off the dohyo, and left sumo in disgrace and became professional wrestlers.
9. Over the years, numerous foreigners have joined the ranks of Sumo. Americans from Hawaii (and one from St. Louis) have been successful, and two (Akebono and Mushshimaru) reached the rank of Yokozuna. Mongolians have also been making their mark in the sport with Asashoryu rising to the rank of Yokozuna. Who was the first American born wrestler to win the Grand Tournament?
10. One American rose to the top division long before an American won the Grand Tournament. Who was the first American born Sumo Wrestler to reach the top Makuuchi division?
Source: Author
graz1
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