‘Sumo! Sumo! Sumo!’ Arkansas’s First Sumo Wrestling Exhibition, Set for March 3 at Hot Springs’ Bank OZK Arena
HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — “Sumo! Sumo! Sumo,” Arkansas’s first-ever sumo wrestling exhibition, featuring some of the most famous names in the sport, will take place Sunday, March 3, at Hot Springs’ Bank OZK Arena.
The grappling goes down at 6 p.m.
“This is going to be a great fun event for the entire family,” Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison said. “It’s the first time this type of entertainment has been featured in Arkansas, and is sure to be enjoyed by everyone.”
Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under for general admission. Floor seating will be $50 per ticket. They are available now at https://www.hotsprings.org/events/sumo/.
The sumo exhibition will coincide with the Seventh Annual Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival, a celebration of Japanese culture, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 3. Sponsored by the Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation, the event will be held in the Hot Springs Convention Center at 134 Convention Boulevard. The festival is a family-friendly event with something for all ages. General admission will be free.
The 2024 festival will again feature cultural demonstrations, exhibits and musical performances including taiko drums. Japanese lectures and workshops for those wanting a more hands-on experience will also be available. There are fees for some of the workshops and events.
The sumo exhibition also will coincide with the Fourth Annual American Craft Saké Festival, which will be held February 29 through March 3 in the Bridge Street Entertainment District. This will be the first time the festival has been held in Hot Springs. Hot Springs is home to the Origami Saké Brewery, which uses Arkansas rice in its brewing.
Topping the bill in the sumo event will be Hiroki, the heaviest Sumo in the world and who was featured in the “John Wick 4” movie starring Keanu Reaves. Hiroki, who will be flying in from Japan, tops the scales at a svelte 570 pounds and stands 6 feet 4 inches tall. Hiroki competed on an elite level in Japanese Pro Sumo and won two divisional Champion titles. He's also competed in sumo events worldwide, and even did an appearance in a WWE event. In addition to the “John Wick” flick, he's been in numerous movies and TV shows, including a starring role in the globally acclaimed Netflix series "Sanctuary".
Hiroki will go belly to belly against Ramy, who weighs a svelte 500 pounds and stands 6 feet 4 inches. Ramy is a 10-time National Sumo Champion and former United States Sumo Open Champion. He has won titles and competed in sumo worldwide, including at the World Championships. He was the No. 1 Egyptian competitor for 10 years in a row. He also appears regularly at sumo exhibitions nationwide and on many TV shows, including a principal role for five years on the Spanish TV show "Tengo Talento.”
Going against Hiroki and Ramy in a round-robin competition will be the relatively skinny Mendee, who weighs a mere 330 pounds and stands 5 feet 10 inches tall. Mendee is a two-time U.S. Sumo Open Champion and a former World Sumo Champion. Mendee has been dominant internationally, winning medals all over the world. In his two years at the U.S. Sumo Open, he is 27-0, a perfect record, en route to gold medals. He also represents Mongolia on the world stage, in the Sumo World Championships, World Games and World Combat Games. He's one of the most dynamic sumo competitors globally. Despite his "smaller" stature, he has spectacular speed and technique.
For more information call Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.