Last year I attended my first sumo match at the U.S. Sumo Open and had the honor of meeting World Sumo Champion Byambajav “Byamba” Ulambayar, who defeated giant Petar Stoyanov for the third consecutive time in the U.S. Sumo Open (men’s heavyweight division).

Current Sumo Champ "Byamba" Ulambayar and Former "Blonde" Verdell (taken during his visit to Warner Bros.)

This weekend you too can check out some hot sumo action as part of the Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs all weekend, April 18 and 19, at the Civic Center located at 320 West Newmark Ave in Monterey Park.

On Sunday, April 19 at 1:00 PM, U.S. Sumo Champions will be participating in a demonstration sponsored by the California Sumo Association. Admission is free.

For a complete list of performances and more information on the Cherry Blossom Festival, see the City of Monterey Park’s web site. Free parking and shuttle service to the Festival is available.

For information on future U.S. Sumo events, check http://www.usasumo.com/events_calendar.html.

Related posts:

1. Sumo Open Returns to the LA
2. Sumo, baby!
3. A school video project in my hood – inflatable sumo is the star
4. Coachella: Sold Out, Or Just Pretending?
5. For One Weekend Only: Big is Beautiful!