Sumo dates back over 2000 years ago and originates from Japan. As part of the Shinto culture, a lot of meanings and traditions take part in Sumo wrestling. Sumo started as a ritual to be performed for the gods during events like festivals. As time passed into the 16th century, Sumo gained popularity and adjusted to a sport. During that time, professional athletes were created and competed on multiple levels.
Since becoming one of the most popular sports in Japan, Sumo has gained notability and spread worldwide. This growth noticeably spiked global interest in the 1960s and inspired many people to learn more and contribute to the sport. Many countries worldwide, such as the U.S., Mongolia, Canada, South Korea, China, and many more, have been the birthplace of many up-and-coming professional sumo athletes.
Freund is an American who became enamored with the sport of sumo wrestling after visiting Japan and seeing it firsthand. He came back to America with the idea of creating the California Sumo Association. The association has also been credited with hosting an event called the U.S. Sumo Open.
The U.S. Sumo Open has been a wrestling event hosted since 2001. This event is a great opportunity for international athletes and has increased awareness of the sport outside Japan. This event has hosted over 5,000 spectators while including over 700 athletes from 40 different countries.
Listed on the official USA Sumo Website are professional sumo wrestlers Byamba, Yama, and Svet. Each athlete comes from a different background and culture while dominating the sport. Their contribution to the sport has pioneered opportunities for recognition of their ability to compete.
6’1″, 365 lbs
4-time World Sumo Champion
5 years Pro Sumo Experience
8 consecutive years, US Sumo Open Champion (2007-2014)
Overall US Sumo Open record (2007-2019): 110 wins – 7 losses
6’4″, 601 lbs
Pro Sumo Elite (makuuchi division)
Pro Sumo Champion title (makushita division)
2-time World Sumo Champion
University Sumo Champion (5 times)
5’8″, 187 lbs
2-time World Sumo Champion