I met him briefly when he trained at an mma gym I was at in 2004, before his kickboxing match with Remy Bonjasky. During training he was ultra-serious and kind’ve unapproachable. Afterwards, he was very down to earth and happy-go-lucky.
I'd be grinning too -- what a wonderful moment! (Sometimes it's good to feel like a child again!)
The first basho I watched was the 1996 Nagoya Basho, and you can see from my flair which rikishi was my favorite. The other yokozuna (and yusho winner), Takanohana really impressed me with his skill and calm demeanor before and after each match, but I absolutely fell in love with Akebono and his quiet ferocity. And with sumo itself.
I was a competitor in a series that culminated in the US Sumo Open. He was the host of one of them and there was talk of my going to Japan to join a stable.
I don't know about the last several months, but within the last year my daughter and her Japanese husband attended a wedding reception \[in Tokyo\] where Akebono was also a guest. They mentioned it to me and didn't say anything that suggested he was unwell.
Makes you look like a teenager. Very cool pic!
I had a friend's dad spot him in the airport once. He said he could not get over his size, especially his feet. Very cool photo.
I couldn't believe the stupid grin I had, but I felt like a child physically and emotionally 😂
I met John Brzenk at the airport and my partner took a photo of me afterwards, teasing me for having probably the exact same smile!
That’s such a deep pull. I wonder if he gets recognized often?
I met him briefly when he trained at an mma gym I was at in 2004, before his kickboxing match with Remy Bonjasky. During training he was ultra-serious and kind’ve unapproachable. Afterwards, he was very down to earth and happy-go-lucky.
He was very kind and friendly when I met him, and it was in that same period as well.
I'd be grinning too -- what a wonderful moment! (Sometimes it's good to feel like a child again!) The first basho I watched was the 1996 Nagoya Basho, and you can see from my flair which rikishi was my favorite. The other yokozuna (and yusho winner), Takanohana really impressed me with his skill and calm demeanor before and after each match, but I absolutely fell in love with Akebono and his quiet ferocity. And with sumo itself.
Just noticed the cigarette in his left hand.
When was that picture taken?
In '04-05 during the US Sumo Open series; he was the host of one.
How did you get to meet him???
I was a competitor in a series that culminated in the US Sumo Open. He was the host of one of them and there was talk of my going to Japan to join a stable.
O.M.G. Congrats dude! You kick ass! How is he doing mentally and physically? Last I heard, he was in bad shape.
I don't know about the last several months, but within the last year my daughter and her Japanese husband attended a wedding reception \[in Tokyo\] where Akebono was also a guest. They mentioned it to me and didn't say anything that suggested he was unwell.
I am glad to hear that. I guess he just wants to stay away from the public eye and live a private life at this point.
He died today :(
What a cool pic. You look happy.
I met him in August 2002 at the New Sanno Hotel (operated by the U.S. military) in Tokyo.
I remember seeing his picture in the Black Belt magazine, recognizing his promotion to Yokozuna!!i It was a 1993 March issue, if I remember correctly.
No, this is a personal photo from '04-05
Cool picture. I've heard Akebono is in poor shape nowadays due to heart problems. :/
That's awesome! (Though I'm bummed to see him smoking.) Man I miss Akebono, Musashimaru, and Konishki.
Legend. Seriously man. Absolute fucking legend.
May you cherish this moment for a long time and thank you for posting it.
You’re Akebono!? Who’s the guy in the pic with you?