Sumo suits collided Thursday as University of Memphis students faced off in sumo wrestling matches on the University Center Lawn, giving them a distinctive experience with Asian heritage.
This event, known as “Sumo Suits,” was hosted by the Asian American Association (AAA) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event helped to inform the campus of AAA activities through an uncommon experience and was used by the organization to share Asian culture with U of M students. AAA President Carly David said the event helped bring Asian culture to the U of M in a “fun, interactive way” that gave AAA members a chance to tell students more about Asian tradition.
“It’s one of those things where they see something fun, and they start asking questions,” David said. “It definitely is important to bring Asian culture to the U of M community because it is a growing minority in the U of M.”
“Sumo Suits” is the fourth event in a line of activities planned by AAA to celebrate Asian Heritage Month. Asian Heritage Month, officially called Asian/Pacific Heritage Month, is a celebration for United States citizens of Asian and Pacific Island descent that takes place in May. AAA is using “Sumo Suits” and events like it to inform students of Asian Heritage Month and bring its cause to the U of M while classes are still in session.
“The U of M has just become so diverse,” David said. “So it’s important for all multicultural organizations to really show off their cultures so that the general public of the U of M just knows about the people and the stuff they grew up with.”
The event allowed several pairs of students to go head-to-head in high-energy sumo matches, such as 19-year-old Max Malone, psychology major from Memphis, and opponent Brittney Brockway, 20, from Memphis.
“I wrecked it,” Malone said. “I called my friend out like ‘Hey, come fight me,’ and we both got out there. We were both very enthused about it.”
Eager wrestlers dawned heavy, inflatable sumo suits and protective head gear before entering the red ring set up on the UC Lawn. As soon as matches began, suits slammed as students grappled, shoved and struggled to hurl their opponents to the ground and claim victory. The intense activity came as a unique experience for many participants throughout the day as well as an interesting phenomenon for several onlookers.
“It got my blood flowing,” Malone said. “It’s good to do something like this on campus. It’s a good idea for them to have activities to help encourage people and teach.”
The sumo wrestling phenomenon also made for a unique way to meet new people. Ashton Shepherd, 19, international business major from Memphis, said he enjoyed learning more about Asian customs and seeing new faces during an event that was “exhausting, fun” and “exhausting some more.”
“Usually, I’d never do this, but a friend from a different race encouraged me,” Shepherd said. “I’m always keen to meeting new people — I just met like five different people just from this — so I’m glad he asked.”
AAA will be hosting more cultural events in celebration of Asian Heritage Month until April 4. These events include “Sushi Night” on March 21 where students will be able to make their own sushi to eat and “Tour of Asia,” AAA’s biggest event, on April 4, which will include food, performances and crafts from several Asian countries.
Asian American Association's "Sumo Suits" event attracted plenty of eager wrestlers to the UC Lawn Thursday. AAA is using unique experiences such as these to share Asian culture with U of M students.
