In Japan, sumo wrestlers earn the respect of Hollywood actors and rock stars.
The sport is the oldest martial art in the country.
Tag: sports
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See Sumo Wrestlers in Japan on Guided Tokyo Sumo School Tour
It was originally a form of ritual dedication which asked the gods for a prosperous harvest, although in time it developed as a form of combat. Modern-day tourists can get a glimpse of the strict training regime of future sumo champions on the H.I.S. Experience Japan website (if it's up!) or also see: Day in the Life of a Sumo tour in Tokyo. During the tour you'll meet the sumo stars of the future. These promising young athletes live and train on the premises, so they virtually breathe sumo. You'll also eat lunch with the coach, or oyakata, who'll share stories of sumo and a meal of their in-training diet. Clearly chanko, a blend of seasoned lean chicken, vegetables and rice, isn't the off-season diet of these chunky wrestlers! While sumo wrestlers have a reputation for being on the large side, there are actually no weight restrictions. It's not uncommon to see a wrestler taking on an opponent twice his size, and winning. These practice bouts are one of the most exciting parts of the tour. Salt purifies the ring before the near-naked wrestlers enter it. The opponents stare each other down, menacingly, before attempting to overthrow one another. Sumo is a game of strategy rather than size, so it's always exciting to see who will win. H.I.S. Experience Japan Day in the Life of a Sumo tour runs on Tuesdays and Fridays, except during Grand Sumo Tournament time. They cost $207 for adults and $161 for children. -
Travel to See Sporting Events
Sports related travel is increasingly popular, especially now with so many great travel deals available.
If you’re a sports fan or perhaps someone in your family is, consider taking a vacation that centers around experiencing sporting events. When there are popular sporting events in any one area, you can expect that flight prices, hotels and even other expenses like food and car rentals will be more expensive. This is because with the expected influx and increased demand on travel-related amenities, hotels and airlines can get away with charging more. This is one reason to book ahead of time and to not rely on last minute travel deals when you want to see some of the world’s best and most exciting sporting events.
Check out two great sporting events that you can plan fun and exciting family vacations around.
One such sporting event is for our winter sport-loving friends. The Winter Olympic Games held in Vancouver B.C begins in the winter of 2010. This means bobsledding, ski jumping, moguls, speed skating and everyone’s favorite: curling, will be happening live just north of the America’s border. Take your family on a ski vacation to Calgary and then check out the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Or, start with a ski vacation to the northwest followed up by up close and personal live sports at the Games!
Our next best sports-related vacation is for summer sports fan. The 2010 World Cup in South Africa is a great time to experience not only one of the biggest and most widely watched sporting events in the world but to also experience travel to one of the coolest and most diverse countries on the globe. To find out more about the 2010 World Cup and to locate related travel deals check back with our FrugalMonkey blog or take a look at our full country profile and section on the upcoming World Cup. It’s the perfect vacation for soccer fans and sports lovers!
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Are You a Golf Fan On A Tight Budget?
FrugalMonkey is always trying to keep an eye out for interesting flight deals for travelers abroad, but also locally and within the United States. A great way to find travel deals for budget travelers is in sporting events. For example, The Masters Golf Tournament that takes place each year in Augusta Georgia brings in hundreds of golf fans each year. Airlines know that people are making travel plans for upcoming spring and summer and are now offering deals on flights to Augusta for golf fanatics and sporting fans that won’t break the bank. Check out some of the airline auction sites for travel deals to the tournament in Augusta. They won’t last long and these popular flight deals are sure to go quick. Get a hole in one by taking our FrugalMonkey travel advice. You can thank us later. Oh, and tell Tiger we said ‘Hi.’