Q & A

 
  • Byamba is the three-time World Champion. So, is he a "yokozuna"?
    • Since Byamba left professional Japanese sumo, he is no longer classified by that ranking system. Many pro sumo fans believed that Byamba would achieve the rank of "ozeki" (champion) or "yokozuna" (grand champion), had he stayed longer in pro sumo. However, Byamba's international successes are "World Champion" titles.

  • How would Byamba do against professional sumo wrestlers right now?
    • Byamba feels his conditioning and skill level now is as good as when he used to train regularly in Japan with guys like Hakuho (the only current yokozuna) and Harumafuji (an ozeki). Byamba moved up the sumo ranks concurrently with these men, and he regularly practiced with (and often defeated) them, as well.

  • Can Byamba do sumo at the Olympics?
    • Sumo is not currently an Olympic sport. However, it is an official sport in the World Games, which is run by the International Olympic Committee, and held every four years, just like the Olympic Games. In the 2009 World Games, Byamba won the gold medal, making him the reigning Sumo Champion until 2013.

  • Is there anyone in the US who can beat Byamba?
    • Byamba has had hundreds of matches in international tournaments, and no one from the United States has ever beaten him. Out of these hundreds of matches, a few competitors (from Japan, Russia, and Bulgaria) have defeated Byamba, but even this is a very rare occurrence.

  • How can Byamba be so huge (350 lbs) and have a low boy fat percentage?
    • It's called muscle – years of training to build up layers and layers of muscle. Byamba has a big belly, but it's solid as a rock – no rolls of fat.

  • When can I see Byamba compete?
    Byamba's Apperances

  • What is Byamba's future in the United States?
    For the near future, at least, Byamba would like to continue competing in sumo, while simultaneously developing his acting career in Los Angeles. He represents a new archetype in Hollywood. Just like Bruce Lee broke into the American mainstream with a unique and exotic brand of king fu, Byamba presents a new and exciting martial arts style, with a charismatic flair.

  • Can Byamba appear at my event?
    • Contact or call to find out more.    		  
    Pro Sumo - Daishochi (Byamba)
    US Sumo Open match
    photo: Chuck Green
    US Sumo Open Champion Byamba
    photo: Dustin Snipes