Sumo + Sushi
DETAILS:
Location: The Mayan Theater (DTLA) served as their Los Angeles Location.
Schedule: Please see their website (provided below under “resources”) for future dates.
Cost: Varies with ticket type.
Viewing only: $75 + fees.
Sumo + Sushi dinner: $150 + fees. (standard bento box & water. No drinks included)
Sumo + Sushi VIP dinner package: $275 + fees. (Front row access with premium bento box and 1 drink)
Add-on: (based on availability) $100 to get into the ring and take-on one of the sumo wrestlers at the end of the show.
Time Commitment: Approximately 2 hours.
The sport of Sumo (“striking one another” / “wrestling” / “to compete”) dates back over 1500 years to its origin and is still considered the national sport of Japan to this very day. The word instantly conjures images of two gigantic men scantily dressed in ceremonial loincloths (“mawashi”) hurling their bodies at one another in order to manipulate their opponent out of the ring of play (“dohyo”). More than just a pastime, Sumo represents many of the traditions, philosophies, and cultural aspects of the island-country through its histrionic-based rituals and customs. In the Land of the Rising Sun, Sumo embodies a way of life.
But the opportunity to see this competition in person anywhere outside of Japan is quite rare. Thankfully, Sumo+Sushi was founded to bring that experience right here to the West Coast. Embarking on a yearly 3-city tour (Seattle, San Francisco & Los Angeles with hopefully more cities to come), Sumo+Sushi offers a 2-hour masterclass event where you are taught about the sport’s history and rules, culminating in a 12-match sumo tournament. All of this is accompanied with a curated bento box prepared by a local sushi restaurant (Sushi Roku for Los Angeles) that you’ll dine on while watching the extravaganza. [You can also elect to purchase a cheaper “viewing-only” ticket if sushi isn’t your thing]
The event was MC’d by Konishiki, a Hawaiian-born former champion who was the first non-Japanese Sumo wrestler to obtain the status of ozeki; the second highest rank in the sport. His jovial spirit and unquestioned expertise perfectly complimented the night, providing insight and anecdotes that truly deepened our understanding and appreciation for this unique art form. Just as legit were Sumo+Sushi’s 6 resident “Rikishi”/”Sumotori” (wrestlers) who were all former competitors in Japan. So authenticity was never in question. The night ended with a little comical flair as several members from the audience (who paid an additional $100) got the opportunity to engage in a match with a Sumotori of their choice. So glad we got the chance to attend and hope you are able to do likewise when Sumo+Sushi returns to California!
RESOURCES:
Sumo + Sushi website.
