Japanese Sumo Wrestlers

Takamiyama courtesy of sumoinfo.com

Takamiyama ---

Jesse Kuhaulua was born in Happy Valley, Maui in June 1944. In 1964, at the age of nineteen, Kuhaulua left Hawaii for tokyo, and became the first American to enter the world of professional Japanese sumo. In March of 1964, Kuhaulua made his debut under the name of Takamiyama ad began what would be a twenty year career. In 1068, takamiyama was promted to the Makuuchi division representing the highest level of Japanese sumo, and established records for most consecutive tournaments (97) and most consecutive bouts (1425). The highlight of his career occeurred in 1972, when he defeated Champion Ashaikuni to win the Emperor's Cup and and become the first foreign-born sumotori to win a championship. Upon his victory, a Japanese ambassador read a congratulatory message from President Richard Nixon, marking the first time hat English words were spoken to a Japanese sumo audience.

Konishiki courtesy of "Big in Japan" website

Konishiki ---

Salevaa Atisanoe was born in Nanakuli. Oahu, Hawaii in 1963. In 1981, at the age of 18, Atisanoe was spotted by fellow Hawaiian Jesse Kahaulua (Takamiyama) and was persuaded to move to Tokyo to begin a sumo career under the tutelage of the American champion. In July of 1982, Atisano made his debut under the name of Konishiki and began what would be a tumultuous, but rewarding 15 year career. Konishiki charged through the junior division in less than two years. Less than three years later, in 1987, Konishiki became the first american ever to achieve the rank of ozeki (champion). Konishiki continued to compete for another decade, but despite winning three championships, was never able to achieve the rank of Yokozuma (Grand Champion).

Konishiki retired in 1997 with one one of the best records in sumo history, 733-498. At his peak, Konishiki stood 6' tall and weighed 626 pounds. His weight andgirth earned him many nicknames, including "meat bomb," and "Dump truck."

A naturalized Japanese citizen, Konishiki continues to live in Japan where he is pursuing a singing career and is involved in several charities and humanitarian foundations.

akebono courtesyof E-Hawaii stars

Akebono (Chad Rowan) ---

Chad Rowan was born in Waimanalo, Oahu, Hawaii in may 1969. In the late 1980's, Rowan was discovered by a friend of Jesse Kuhaulua. He was initially thought to be too tall and lanky to make a good sumotori, but in 1988, at the age of eighteen, Kuahualua brought Rowan to Tokyo to begin training. Rowan made his sumo debut under the name of Akebono in March 1988. Within two years, Akebono had reached the top makuchi division. In May 1992, Akebono won his first tournament and was promoted to ozeki --equaling Konishiki as the highest ranked foreign sumotori in history. Akebono went on to win four of the six 1992 bashos (tournaments) as well as the first basho of the following year. As a result, in January 1993, after a mee 30 matches, Akebono attained sumo's highest rank of Yokozuna ad became the first foreigner and only the sixt-fourth sumotori in history to achieve the status of Grand Champion.

Akebono went on to win a total of 11 tournaments in his 13 year career, ranking 7th on the all-time list and compiling a record of 566-198. Akebon retired from Sumo in 2001. At the time of his retirement, Akebono stood 6'8 ad weighed 514 pounds.

Musashimaru courtesy of Grand Sumo's "Who's Who"

Musashimaru (Fiamalu "Fia" Penitani) ---

Fiamalu Penitani was born in Somoa in 1971 and moved to Hawaii in 1981 at the age of ten. In 1989, he was recruited and brought o Japan by former Olympic gold medal wrestler Date Jichiro and began training with the Musashigawa stable. Penitani made his sumo debut under the name of Musashumaru in September 1989. In July of 1991, Musashimaru was promoted to the professional level of Juryo. Musashimaru's career advanced rapidly as he ascended to the top makuuchi division in November of the same year, and by the following May had achieved the rank of sanyaku. Two years later, in 1994, Musashimaru became and ozeki. Although Musashimaru went on to set a record for compteing in 52 consecutive bashos without a losing record, he as not able to achieve the back to back wins necessary to ascend to the rank of Yokozuna (Grand Champion) until July 1999. Upon finally accomplishing this feat, Musashimaru became only the second foreign-born Yokozuna, and the sixty-seventh Grand Champion in the history of the sport.

Musashimaru has been the consummate champion, suffering only one season with a losing record since his entry into sumo in 1989. His career continues to thrive and he ecently won the May basho for his 11th tournament victory, equaling the total previously set by Akebono. As of June of 2002, Musashimaru is in the midst of a major streak, having on three of the last four bashos. Musashimau is 6'3" tall and weighs 509.