Sumo + Sushi in America

Byambajav “Byamba” Ulambayar, left, and Russian-born Soslan Gagloev, right, prepare for the opening round of a sumo wrestling match in Washington on Friday, March 22. The men are part of a Sumo + Sushi event touring across America in an effort to increase awareness of the ancient Japanese sport.

Before the match, Byamba reflects on the sport he loves. He hopes sumo catches on in America, where it is relatively unknown. “People are really surprised how fast and how powerful it is,” he said.

Russian-born Soslan Gagloev was flown in for a match from Florida when another wrestler was injured. Gagloev said he outgrew some other sports at a young age, and turned to sumo training in Japan.

Sumo involves not just size but strength, technique and flexibility, said Byamba.

Before each round, the wrestlers face off, then touch their fists to the mat. Here, announcer and USA Sumo founder Andrew Freund, center, prepares to call the match.

During the matches, the audience cheered, whistled, and recorded the event on cell phones.

The event was billed as a way for Americans to experience authentic Japanese culture without having to leave the US, and included traditional sushi and sake.

After the match, spectators lined up for photos and autographs with the wrestlers.