1.     In order to be a professional sumo wrestler, you must be trained in one of Japan’s 50-60 heya, or training and boarding facility. A young sumo will join the heya around 15-16 and is expected to live there until the end of their wrestling career. Heyas are hierarchical, and the newest, least established wrestlers will be responsible for chores, cooking and helping to bathe sumos higher in rank.

2.     Sumo wrestling is one of the fasted paced sports in the world. Matches usually last less than 1 minute, often only a few seconds. The longest matches can last about 4 minutes, and if they take longer, they can result in a draw. The last draw was in 1974.

3.     Unlike American wrestling, there are no weight classes in sumo. It’s likely that a wrestler will face off against someone almost twice his size. This is why one of the most integral pieces of life in a heya revolves around gaining weight. Sumos typically don’t eat breakfast, and instead eat a massive lunch, washed down with beer and followed by a mandatory nap. Every morning, sumos train on an empty stomach to slow their metabolism and calorie burn. Wrestlers usually weigh between 250-500 pounds. The heaviest recorded sumo wrestler of all time was Konishiki Yasokichi, at 630 pounds.

4.     Slapping your opponent in the face is not only a legal move, it is a frequently used technique called harite. The move is used to confuse the opponent.

5.     Sumo wrestling is not just for men. In 1997, the first women’s only sumo championship took to the ring. Although women only compete on the amateur level, women’s sumo organizations are growing in popularity throughout Asia and even Europe.

In May 2011, one of the six annual sumo wrestling championships will be held in Tokyo. Tickets go on sale April 9^th. Meet some of the top ranked sumos that will be defending their titles this May:

1.     Hakuho, 337 lbs

Hakuho has held the highest grand champion title (yokozuna) in sumo wrestling since July 2007.

2.     Baruto, 410lbs

Baruto, Estonian born, holds the 2^nd highest championship title (ozeki) since May 2010.

3.     Kaio, 381 lbs

Kaio has held the 2^nd highest championship title (ozeki) since September 2000.

Authentic sumo wrestling in Tokyo is not an experience you will want to miss. If you’re traveling to Tokyo, show your support of the oldest, most honored sport in Japan. Learn more about this traditional sport from National Geographic:

Photo credits: Sumo wrestling tournament, Ms. President; Hakuho; Baruto; Kaio

Photo credits: Amsterdam Marathon, Kai Hendry; Portland Marathon, Minette Layne; Tokyo Marathon, Kallu

Photo credits: Tokyo Century, Goldtop; Reach the Beach, Gabriel Amadeus; Rick Flens at Giro d’Italia, Robert Lotgering

The 8th edition of SAIL will take place from 19 to 23 August 2010. For five days long, the Amsterdam IJ harbour will serve as the backdrop for a festive programme full of music, culture and nautical riches. Preparations are in full swing and the event promises once again to be an unparalled nautical spectacle which includes:

• an impressive fleet of Tall Ships from all around the world Tall Ships from all around the world
• a unique collection of Dutch sailing heritage
• a variety of modern ships
• various impressive naval ships and replicas
• an extensive, accompanying programme on the wharfs
• activities, performances and expositions for young and old
• a unique atmosphere with thousands of boats on the water
• a daily closing ceremony with a breath-taking fireworks show