GRAND SUMO OPEN August 14, 2005 Little Tokyo (Los Angeles)
With over 4,000 fans in attendance, the Grand Sumo Open was the largest amateur event in the US to date. Some of the best amateur competitors fought for over $4,000 worth of prizes, including $2,400 cash. The very special feature of the event was the professional sumo demonstration, including pro rikishi, a professional gyoji (referee), a professional yobidashi (ring announcer), and two Oyakata (sumo stablemasters – Sakaigawa and Musashimaru). This was the first time that an event in the US combined both professional and amateur sumo exhibitions! |
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| Four competitors are US Sumo Champions (left to right): Kelly Gneiting, Trent Sabo, Troy Collins, Carl Pappalardo. | Heavyweights in action! | Professional rikishi Iwakiyama in the ceremonial "kesho-mawashi". |
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| The openweight matches are called by
professional Japanese sumo officials. |
Director Andrew Freund introduces the sumo heroes from Japan, and translates their speeches. | Yokozuna (Grand Champion) Musashimaru, the 530 pound
giant from Hawaii, "blesses" an infant! |
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| Sumo professionals Hochiyama and Iwakiyama prepare to square off. | Iwakiyama and Musashimaru award prizes to the only double-medallist, Troy Collins. | Hochiyama and Iwakiyama |
| MEN | ||
| Lightweight | Gold | Trent Sabo |
| Silver | Ford Lyon | |
| Bronze | Chris Patterson | |
| Middleweight | Gold | Troy Collins |
| Silver | Matt Anderson | |
| Bronze | Dan Kalbfleisch | |
| Heavyweight | Gold | Justin Crite |
| Silver | Kelly Gneiting | |
| Bronze | Marcus Barber | |
| Openweight | Gold | Carl Pappalardo ($1,000) |
| Silver | Troy Collins ($500) | |
| Bronze | Kelly Gneiting ($300) | |
| WOMEN | ||
| Openweight | Gold | Larae Crite ($300) |
| Silver | Michelle Pike ($200) | |
| Broze | Rieko Okada ($100) |
California Sumo Association