Eddie Hall has recently swapped his dumbbells for a mawashi – the traditional loincloth worn by sumo wrestlers – as he stepped onto the sumo mat for the very first time.
His initial experience with the sport, renowned for its skill, strength, and deeply ingrained traditions, left a significant impression on the 35-year-old strongman.
Reflecting on his adventure in a blog post on his official website, Hall wrote: “It’s not the most flattering of outfits, but getting the Sumo gear on has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life.
“I’m always up for something new and sumo has always caught my eye, being a sport based on skill and strength. I’d bet on myself to be able to move any object of a certain size, so there’s no reason a sumo wrestler should be any different.”
Hall dons his mawashi for the first time. Credit: YouTube/EddieHall
Sumo wrestling, a cornerstone of Japanese cultural heritage, has seen its popularity surge worldwide, enthralling fans with its intense action, larger-than-life athletes, and ceremonial spectacle. And the six annual Grand Sumo tournaments, or honbasho, continue to draw vast audiences in Japan and around the world.
Yet, sumo extends beyond the bouts themselves. It represents a distinctive lifestyle where wrestlers – or rikishi – abide by strict training routines and traditional living practices within communal stables – or heya.
This blend of sport, tradition, and culture offers a unique, captivating spectacle, contributing to sumo’s ever-growing global fan base.
Hall’s introduction to sumo wrestling took place in a UK sumo gym under the tutelage of Steve Pateman, a former British champion. Amidst his lessons, Hall went head-to-head with current British sumo champion Bangor and several other up-and-coming wrestlers.
He also shared his experiences with his 2.63 million YouTube subscribers in a video that has already amassed over 3 million views.
Despite his notable weight advantage, the British behemoth – who is renowned for his remarkable feats of strength – found himself at the mercy of their superior experience – further emphasizing the skills that are integral to this martial art.
Reflecting on his bouts on the mat, Hall expressed admiration for the sport, writing: “I was massively disadvantaged in terms of experience, and it was incredible how [Bangor] was able to move me around the ring.
“You really are witnessing an art form. I went on to the mats with several other promising wrestlers, with mainly positive results, and there’s a part of me that wouldn’t be averse to looking more seriously at the sport in the future.”
Considering a potential future within sumo wrestling, Hall admitted: “More than anything, I found the whole sumo experience really enjoyable, a different way of using strength, of imposing yourself on someone, a real sense of one-on-one combat, and total respect for the skills involved and your opponent.”
He added: “There was something else I liked—going into an arena as a newcomer, a total novice. It was a great feeling. No pressure and total enjoyment. When it comes to sumo and Eddie Hall, watch this space. And fear not—I shan’t be wearing the outfit for a trip down the supermarket.”
Eddie Hall grapples on the sumo mat. Credit: YouTube/EddieHall
And the tease of a potential future in sumo wrestling is something that Hall’s fans are eager to see, as one YouTube viewer commented: “I am more excited to see Eddie compete at Sumo than anything else he’s done recently. Hopefully it happens.”
A second gleefully wrote: “Seriously Eddie, please try it. I was smiling from ear to ear through this whole video. Everyone can tell how much of an athlete you are, and your fervor for competing. I would love to follow you through the journey!”
As Hall says himself; let’s watch this space.
Featured image credit: YouTube/EddieHall
