“In Japan, Pro Sumo is not just a sport - it’s like you joined the military.”

Ladies and gentlemen, this week we welcome the founder and director of the world’s largest sumo competition outside of japan, Andrew Freund.

Since 2001, he’s been hosting “U.S Sumo Open” and has since choreographed, produced and announced more than 700 sumo tournaments all over the globe. Being a sumo wrestler himself, he’s been in the ring a few times - becoming US National Sumo Champion multiple times and has even competed at World Championship events at the international level.

Over the years, he’s become a crucial part in representing sumo overseas. So much in fact, that in 2012, he was inducted in the Martial Arts History Museum’s Hall of Fame.

In this episode, Andrew shares everything you ever wondered about sumo. From the differences between japanese sumo and american sumo to… why is pro sumo considered to be like joining the military?

Everything and more is in this fantastic episode!

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How Andrew started, and how US sumo became the biggest tournament outside of japan.
• What are the differences between japanese sumo and american sumo. And how sumo is like joining the military.
• What the hierarchy in pro sumo is like. And how insane the thought that people dedicate their entire lives to be one is.
• Does sumo wrestling have weight division? And what strategies are used to win in the ring.
• The main 3 or 4 most fundamental exercises in sumo wrestling.
• How japanese sumo has been received in the U.S. And what are the general reactions people have when they watch a match for themselves.
• And a TON more.

So please, enjoy Andrew’s story.

Guest Links:

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I created The Bus Driver Experience as a way to gain a new perspective from the unique lives of other people - Olympic athletes, monks, porn stars - to not just learn, but EXPERIENCE what it’s like to be in their shoes for a day.

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