K-1 Sumo

[dingodog1]

Akebono,(Chad Rowan), is slated to meet Bob Sapp in an upcoming K-1. It will not be traditional Sumo match or kickboxing though the terms are still being determined. It seems that Akebono is sacrificing his status as a great champion for the almighty dollar. Thoughts?

[PRehse]

That status can't be sacrificed - he is and always will be.

He has resigned from the Japan Sumo Association with what is becoming fewer benefits with all the old restrictions. He is not the first to do so.

[dingodog1]

Yes sir, I agree. After reading my original post I also see how it can be regarded as judgemental. I have many hours of tapes with Sumo competitions including Akebono and have the highest regard for him. I've viewed probably more than anyone I know by far and greatly appreciate the heart, technique and dedication necessary to excell in the lifestyle. Is his branching out generally viewed as a compromise by his competitors or the Sumo establishment? You've said that others have done similar things. Could you elaborate? It is generally very little in the media concerning Sumo in Charlotte, N.C.!

[PRehse]

Didn't take your post to be judgemental at all.

The best recent example I can think of is Chad himself. Apparently the JSA took exception to some of his adverts including if I'm not mistaken an excellent Whiskey series. I had assumed he had already left the JSA. - I guess a compromise was reached.

The closest to K1 is Wakanohana trying out for a US football team. Eyebrows were raised about that also but he didn't get signed so maybe he didn't leave either.

The JSA apparently take a piece of the action and have control how and when you appear.

BY the way I think Chad is going to get creamed.

My local Onsen has TVs installed in the Sauna and one of the pools. I was enjoying sumo this afternoon in great comfort.

K1 is slowly turning into the WWF.

Cheers,

Mike

[don]

Originally posted by dingodog1
Akebono,(Chad Rowan), is slated to meet Bob Sapp in an upcoming K-1. It will not be traditional Sumo match or kickboxing though the terms are still being determined.

Remember Futahaguro in an early UFC? He got creamed, as Peter Rehse predicts for Rowan. (If I remember right, F lasted about 20 seconds and quit after getting popped in the nose.)

I enjoyed F getting his. I have more sympathy for Rowan, though.

Originally posted by dingodog1
It seems that Akebono is sacrificing his status as a great champion for the almighty dollar. Thoughts?

Remember Reagan giving a million dollar speech in Japan? (Or Bob Dole doing Viagra adverts?)

[dingodog1]

Originally posted by don
Remember Futahaguro in an early UFC? He got creamed, as Peter Rehse predicts for Rowan. (If I remember right, F lasted about 20 seconds and quit after getting popped in the nose.)

I enjoyed F getting his. I have more sympathy for Rowan, though.



Remember Reagan giving a million dollar speech in Japan? (Or Bob Dole doing Viagra adverts?)

Yessir, I remember. I guess that if Akebono competes honorably and honestly there won't be any loss of dignity. As an ole' football coach, Art Williams, once said,"All you can do is all you can do..., but if you do all you can do, THAT'S ENOUGH!"

[6 Pack]

Chad ended up fighting as a kickboxer as oppose to MMA rules. I think he would be a much better fighter under MMA rules than kickboxing, and don't know why his management don't hook up an MMA fight.

In MMA chad could take his man down with a throw, and keep him down with his size. From there a basic submission or wearing his man down to victory.

There have been some to come from Sumo to fight in MMA against K-1 fighters with success. I don't remember the sumotori's name, he was japanese, but he beat Jerome LeBanner and Satake (two very good K-1 fighters) in MMA styles fights (in Pride FC) using his size.