By Tate Papworth
Sumo wrestlers from across Victoria will soon be doing battle in an Ardeer dojo.
Victorian Sumo Association secretary Alvin Vella said the bouts would showcase the Japanese martial art.
“The goal is to attract as much talent as we possibly can,” he said. “We’ll be here every Saturday and Sunday throughout November.”
The shows will be headlined by former national champion Joe Saunders.
After some time away from the sport, Saunders said he was looking forward to competing again.
“I started about 12 years ago when I was in Queensland and went on to represent Australia a bunch of times – won three Oceania titles and a couple of national titles,” he said.
“I moved to Melbourne about two years ago and have been pretty inactive since.
“But I realised I wasn’t ready to be old yet, so I reached out to these guys and can’t wait to get into it.”
Saunders said he hoped to train future sumo stars.
“We’ve got a range of different weight classes, so there’s lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight,” he said.
“I’m not sure what to expect, but I’m hoping I can help coach the next crew up and make some good training partners.”
The bouts will take place from noon-2pm at 614 Ballarat Road, Ardeer, on Saturdays and Sundays throughout November.
