2004 US SUMO OPEN - 4th Annual
Tuesday, April 6    6:00 PM .......The New Otani Hotel &Garden (Little Tokyo, Downtown LA)

 

The 2004 US Sumo Open was filled with action and drama, as some of the world's greatest amateur sumo athletes competed. Fierce rivalries among international competitors were highlighted in several semi-final and final matches.

One of sumo's greatest Yokozuna ever, Musashimaru, attended from Japan, and was joined by fellow retired professional Robert Suetsugu, who refereed. Fans went crazy over Musashimaru, who graciously posed for photos and signed autographs.


The flood of 700 fans packed into the New Otani Golden Ballroom had a very intimate view of sumo, as the front row audience members occasionally caught a flailing limb or recoiling head of a 500-pounder! The energy and noise from the audience reached fever pitch in the medal rounds.

As in past years, many foreign competitors and a Hawaiian athlete dominated most divisions, but more Americans have started to show promise in the sport.

Sumo wrestlers pose for a group shot before the tournament................................................... Photo: Chieko Hayashi
US SUMO OPEN 4th Annual Top Athletes
JONDO DABRUNDASHVILI
350 lbs
Heavyweight Gold
Georgia
JOE DAVIS
187 lbs
Lightweight Gold
USA
KENA HEFFERNAN
252 lbs
Middleweight Gold
Openweight Bronze
USA
PETAR STOYANOV
330 lbs
Heavyweight Bronze
Openweight Gold
Bulgaria
TROY COLLINS
252 lbs
Middleweight Silver
Openweight Silver
USA

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National Cherry Blossom Festival with MUSASHIMARU DETAILS
Saturday, April 3 - 4, 2004      Washington D.C

Musashimaru joined California Sumo Association and US Sumo Open competitors for a special 150th anniversary commemoration of US-Japan relations in Washington D.C. on April 3-4, 2004. On April 3, Musashimaru and CSA members participated in two sumo demonstrations on the martial arts stage at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. On April 4, Musashimaru was the guest of honor at the annual Japan Bowl. Musashimaru also coached CSA members and visiting students of Japanese in proper sumo technique.