Sumo!

We have all been looking forward to trying out sumo (Japanese wrestling). The students have seen some photographs of the All Saints' groups that visited three years ago learning how to do sumo, and particularly liked the photographs of Mr Baptist wearing an authentic sumo belt, and taking on the school champion. There are 33 primary schools in the Sakura area, and Shirogane is the champion school, with its students being the current Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 champions.

The two Year 6 classes hosted our sumo session during Periods 3 and 4. They started by giving us a demonstration (not only does Shirogane have the Year 6 champion, they also have the silver medallist!). Then came the challenge - who would like to take on one of the champions? Charlton was brave enough to step forward and uphold All Saints' honour, and challenged the silver medallist to a bout. It was close contest, but the Japanese student's experience helped him win the bout. Cameron put up his hand next, and took on the school champion. It was definite size mismatch, but Cam was game! He won the first bout, but in the second, the Japanese champion used his skills and strength to easily pick Cameron up and lift him out of the ring! Finally, Layne was brave enough to take on the girls' champion. After some advice from Mr Baptist on sumo technique, there were lots of "oohs" and "aahs" from the crowd, who were impressed at Layne's style. Again it was a close contest, but Layne was able to push her opponent out of the ring and get the win.

Next we tried "Thumb Sumo" - we call it "Thumb Wars" in Australia, and then "Push Sumo". In "Push Sumo" the two players stand facing each other, feet apart, legs slightly bent, and try to push each other off balance. You can only use your hands to push on the other person's hands - you can't push any other part of their body, and you can't grab their hands and pull. If your feet move from their original position (ie you lose your balance), you lose. We had great fun playing this game, and developed a few interesting techniques. To finish the session, the Japanese Year 6 teachers challenged us to an International Push Sumo competition. They chose their best eight students and one teacher to take on the eight All Saints' students and Mr Baptist. It was very close, but Japan came out on top, 5-4.

After sumo had finished, the Year 6 students held a short "Farewell Ceremony". We were presented with a gift for the school by the Principal, Mrs Konagai, then there were some speeches,and finally the Year 6 students applauded as we left the gym.