party trick

Sumo wrestling tends to be a really quick game and lasts only a few seconds, but the pomp and ceremonial traditions mean that it can be several minutes before any of the action can begin. The two sumo wrestlers arrives on stage, faces each other in the crouching position. Sometimes they'll do the party trick, trying to psyche each other out. A man dressed in a beautiful kimono will do some chanting, then they walk to the left corners of the stage, pick up some salt from the wicker basket and throw it towards the centre. This is repeated three times before the game. Its great when the wrestlers give each other evils, and stand chest all puffed out and slapping their thighs. Only the really cocky ones do that, and then we know we're in for a good game. The atmosphere is electric, there's such a buzz. Once, a sumo wrestler was pushed off the stage and ended up in the second row but luckily, people moved out of the way in time. It could have been ugly, otherwise. At intervals, and this is certainly the best bit, the stadium lights are switched off and three men give a drumming performance, with huge flames lighting up their stage. The drums are massive, much bigger than the drummers themselves, and though its really only three men on drums, the music they produce is completely captivating. If only my phone had sound recording!