Strongman Survives Sumo Wrestler Lifestyle For 72 hours - Strength Unknown Japan 

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Martins got called Yujiro Hanma by a Japanese sumo wrestler. Pretty sure that’s gotta be the ultimate compliment one can achieve in Japan. Or anywhere else for that matter.

As an avid sumo fan, I'm really pleased with how you refrained from doing the typical "Westerner visits sumo stable" schtick of mysticizing and/or mocking sumo and portraying the rikishi as those exotic, almost unhuman creatures. I could tell while watching that you're genuinely interested in the sport and the culture surrounding it, and it was heartwarming to see you going the extra mile and speaking Japanese to the athletes. I also really like how in-depth you went with the information, and it was great to see Tatsunami-oyakata casually explaining things to you. I'd love for you to do another video like this someday, maybe in a different stable, or highlighting different aspects. New Western perspectives on and exposure for sumo are always greatly appreciated! 🙂

Watching the sumo guys being impressed by the size of Martins. Imagine you take Brian Shaw, Tom Stoltman or Hafthor in there lol. This is such a good series. Amazing work Martins and Romark.

This series isn't just a "look at me" as some might think, it is a cultural learning experience. Great job and thank you Martins and Romark.

Hats off to Martins for training with them! Sumo wrestlers are serious athletes who deserve respect on what they do 🎉

海外のアスリートが相撲に挑戦する動画は沢山ありますが、最も相撲へのリスペクトを感じる動画でした。 こうやってみると世界クラスのストロングマンに体格で劣らない日本人力士って凄いな…😂

Sumo...the most underappreciated sport in the world. Rikishi do training that would make most other athletes cry and give up, and they do it being the size of (and larger than, in some cases) NFL offensive linemen. It's insane to see a 400 lb man do a pirouette after exerting all his massive strength in slapping and grappling his oppoent only to arm lock him and be able to spin and hip toss him from the dohyo. Their athleticism is just astounding. Glad Martins showed this. Hope many others come to appreciate their prowess.

Thank you for coming to Japan! In Japan, sumo wrestlers have long been a symbol of strength. It is said that babies grow up healthy when they are held by a sumo wrestler. I was also hugged by a sumo wrestler when I was a baby!😊😊

This should be accessible at Netflix or Discovery or something else. It's pro content!

相撲未経験でここまで稽古について行けるのが凄すぎるwストロングマン恐るべし…😮 日本語字幕が丁寧でとても見やすい動画でした！お疲れ様👍👍

As an American amateur sumo wrestler who've seen a lot of strong men and power lifters do sumo. I'm very impressed with you. You stayed low, slid your feet, and didn't over commit. Well done!

体験の外人さんがパンツ履かずにまわし締めてるの初めて見たかも 気合いが違う さすがストロングマンのトップ選手ですわ

I'm a sumo fan and this was one of the better foreigner-tries-sumo videos on the internet. I liked how he interacted with the wrestlers. They seem to really hit it off. A shame that the top wreslters weren't around. Probably on provincial tour. Hoshoryu is a technical wizard and my current favorite. Meisei, while not as technical, makes up for it with his energetic sumo. Great job and hope you'll return.

This is the best sumo video I've ever seen. In the past, there were a lot of people who interviewed wrestlers just for laughs or lied about their interviews and used them as material for criticism. There are many people who are not good people, and there are not many places to show the rooms anymore. But the room that accepted this interview, and the foreigner who seriously faces the room.... It was really good to see the video as it was.

As someone who has been an avid sumo wrestling fan for many years, I cannot begin to tell you how impressed I am with your video. Your respect, your humility, your humor, and your likability all shine through. My wife and I both thoroughly enjoyed every moment. And I must say your abilities in a sport that is brand new to you is almost jaw-dropping. I have little doubt that you could be a superb rikishi if you so desired. I’m looking forward to watching more of your videos. Thank you!!!

I absolutely love how respectful both sides were about trying to help with language. So much respect on both sides.

What an exclusive adventure this was! Rewatching our escapades makes me miss you guys. Come back soon! 😭

謙虚で誠実な人柄に感激しました🤩

I did not expect the story-telling and poetic type of narration. That was the fun part. Your performance was an amazing thing to see. Usually when westerners feature this, it's just for fun. You put in the work, and that is highly respectable. As an Asian, I appreciate that much. More power to you and your channel. 🔥

I watched this after watching a different "youutbe person tries SUMO" type video, and the difference is night and day. This is educational, respectful, professional, not all about the man in the video. Great stuff Martin, you really are the world's strongest weeb

Im a amature sumo Wrestling here in the Uk and after Christmas atarting prep for the European and the World championship try out and i absolutely loved this. Its such an underappreciated sport that would also be loved by the mainstream. Its fast easy to understand and exciting. Seeing this dose nothing but help the sport. Please do it again !! I would love love love to see you persue it and become a sumo channel. Please do it bro !!!

相撲に対するリスペクトと深い理解が感じられて、とても素晴らしい動画だと思いました。 Big respect マーティン!

This is one of the best videos about sumo i've ever seen from a "westerner". Thank you for treating sumo with the respect it deserves.

相撲というのは単なるスポーツではないことに気づいて頂けて非常にうれしいです。貴重な体験をされましたね✨

Hey Martins. I just wanna say, there’s no RU-vid video or video in general that stops me in my tracks and has me hanging to watch as soon as I see the notification as yours man. You inspired me for years and got me through injuries and even motivated me to push bloody hard to get better. Just saying cheers man and thanks for being such an inspiration just being yourself. MARTINS!!

13:39 it's insane to see Martin get thrown around by someone he has such an obvious size, age, and muscular advantage over. Really goes to show how strong and skilled even these younger greenhorns are.

I began watching Sumo years ago. I was and am super excited for this video. Keep up the great content!

Amazing video. Thank you for giving Japanese sumo culture the respect that it deserves. What an amazing experience. Video was professional, respectful, and entertaining. Exceptional.

As a fan of strongman and sumo this was a joy to watch!! I always though that sumo wrestlers and strongmen had a lot of similarities and i hoped you guys would do an episode just like this! Most of the sumo content in youtube it's in japanese and there are only a few english ones, so it was great to be able to see and understand the sumo culture from the inside. Also it was pretty cool to hear martins speak japanese 😄 thank you for the episode!

Brilliant video! Just came here because I love sumo and I am so happy you treated the sport with respect ! I am amazed at your power and even more by how much you enjoy Japan. Many heartfelt thanks for uploading this and the episode on "Chikara-ishi". (subbed)

I love how you're always approaching all the traditional strength sports with such respect. Best travel documentary show on the youtubes.

This really is one of the best videos I've ever seen. It is fascinating to see the comraderie between the sumo wrestlers in the stable, resepct for coaches/elders, and a connection/deep meaning to what they are training for and paying homage to. Additionally, the respect that you show for the sport, culture, etc. is apparent and I've now become a fan of yours and the sport. I'm looking to find a way to get involved in Sumo here in NYC.

As someone who is obsessed with sumo wrestling and just watched the November Basho in it’s entirety, it’s wild to see other people that I watch interact with each other. Hoshoryu is a certified badass.

the foot in the sand shot on the title screen, the quite single shot walk into the building. so much cinematography brilliance in the first 3 minutes, i may as well stop now or this list will be too long. best channel on youtube edit: that rule of thirds shot in the outtro is my new wallpaper.

This was fun to watch. Your approach was tasteful, respectful, and from a place of honest curiosity/intrigue. Endearing to see the rikishi enjoying life their own way. Sumo is an awesome culture.

People don't understand just how strong Sumo's are. They are NOT big fat lazy people. They are stellar athletes that go through GROOLING TRAINING on a daily basis. It is an ancient sport one of the last remaining that dates back to the Samurai. I have so much respect for Sumo and what these giants are able to do in the Dohyō. Ganbatte to all of them.

Found you when I was randomly recommended your previous Japanese stone video. I have been waiting for this since you teased it. This video, much like your personal experiences in Japan, far exceeded my already lofty expectations. Twenty-six minutes flew by. I was sad that it ended in what felt like only five minutes. Fantastic work by you and your team. Huge gratitude to Beya stable for allowing you in…

This is by far my favorite episode of Strength Unknown thus far as outside of Strongman, Sumo is one of my favorite sports. To see Martins training and also show other people how incredible the sport and the lifestyle is here was just spectacular. Cheers, Martins.

I wasn't expecting you to become an international ambassador of strength. Your videos are amazing. The way you are humble with everyone is pure class. Thank you. MARTINS!!!

Martins is just one of the coolest dudes. The Strength Unknown series is tops!

Great vid! I've been getting into sumo lately and it's been very cool to see an inside perspective on the back end of the tournament I just watched. As far as combat sports go, it really fascinated me how the simplicity and strictness of the rules lends itself to such flexibility in techniques. Stomp the demons down, and attack while moving forward!

Martins speaking ability in these videos are spectacular, never boring, always hooked, and crystal clear delivery, top notch documentarian skills sir!

I feel like this was the highest quality content you have done. I loved this one.

This is awesome martins. Thank you for your travels and bringing us a glimpse into cultural strength. Much appreciated.

I have the utmost respect for you guys pulling off such an incredible production with intensely high information value! this has been a bliss to watch and I am excited for what's still to come! this is just amazing!

Martins, Romark, and the whole team, have ABSOLUTELY been killing it this past year or so with content. It's just banger after banger. Every video is so well written and produced, it truly feels like something you'd watch on the History channel or Netflix. Keep it up you guys🙏 Seriously, this channel is so awesome!

This was utterly beautiful. Thank you Martins and Romark for sharing and providing us with such a wonderful experience.

I've been waiting for this video since it was announced. As a Sumo fan and a Strength Unknown fan, I already know it's gonna be great before I even start watching it! Let's go!

四股も摺り足も綺麗でおまけに取り組みも豪快で。respect。

I love how the Sumo’s can be serious when they train, but they also have a sense of humor

I was NOT expecting this when starting the video. I was expecting the typical strongman youtube video. This really reminded me of Anthony Bourdain, and I don't say that lightly! This didn't feel like content just for content's sake, it felt like authentic storytelling, with depth of experience. I'm impressed, immediately liked and subscribed!

Legendary series. I get incredibly excited every time I see an episode posted. Martins and team u rock!🤘

The way you and your team narrate, stylize, and edit your videos are some of the best I have seen on YT. The Japan videos have been amazing, from the history to the mundane everyday things. Thanks for making this content for everyone. It has been great to watch.

Next grand sumo tournament is mid January. Tune in folks!

I just discovered this channel yesterday, and man.. It makes me so damn happy when cultures share commonalities and celebrate it. The world needs more cultural exchanges like this, because it really is breaking barriers in the most wholesome way.

Can't express how much I have enjoyed your whole strength unknown saga, awesome stuff!

martins looks like a natural in a mawashi! i'm glad he didn't half-ass it and whole-assed it instead. imo that's a sign of deep respect for sumo culture; even some amateur sumo competitors still wear tights under the mawashi.

Amazing videography and easily my favorite series on RU-vid. It would be awesome to also see what the rikishi think of Martin's strength and how well it translates to sumo. Thanks for making this and these videos deserve millions of views

There's a depth to the content you provide Martins. It isn't just about the headline and the clicks with you. It's about immersion and learning about the world. Loved it when you came and visited Quebec w/ Caron

Just had the honor of going to the sumo tournament in Fukuoka while i was visiting last week this was such a cool glimpse into the training they do

I’m not a sumo fan nor a football fan. My attention span is short so its quite a surprise that I finished this more than 28 minute video. The story telling and cinemography as well as the respect thoughout the filming made me subscribe to this channel. Good work!

This series really brings fitness content to new heights. I'm always so impressed with how thoughtful and grateful you are for your experiences. Thank you for this!

Sumo is unique in all combat sports. So pure and so refined at the same time. As a spectator, I find it the most engaging.

This is hands down the best behind the scenes of a sumo table I have ever watched, thank you so much for blessing us with this brother.

少しずつ、すり足が上手くなってくの見ていて楽しかったです！ 吊り出しの時の体の使い方最高でした！ 土俵際、上半身の力だけで体を入れ替えてたのすごかったですね！ ただ腰に大きく負担がかかるのでちょっと心配でした。 次回は幕内力士と一緒に修練出来るとよいですね！

There's an alternate timeline where Martins went to Japan instead of the USA and became the world's first Latvian Yokozuna.

This is amazing! Thank you so much for bringing us this footage, what a blessing to have this inside look at heya life. Huge respect for putting yourself through their rigorous training, you fit right in. Just awesome! That THROW at 23:54!!!!!! LETS GOO 💪💪💪💪💪💪

Martins adapts quickly to sumo due to his foundation in wrestling. Also, in sumo, it's crucial to lower the hips and place the center of gravity within, and this closely resembles the way the center of gravity is positioned during a barbell squat (more so than in a sumo deadlift) Therefore, facing lower-ranked opponents, Martins' belt grip and lifting techniques are quite formidable. (I honestly wished to see him face higher-ranked opponents, while I understand that professional sumo wrestlers who get paid to showcase matches can't just engage in sumo on RU-vid.) Anyway, this underscores how explosive power developed through weight training and a proper diet is beneficial in sumo. David mentions that Japan's strength training methodology is about 10 years behind the U.S., but in the conservative and tradition-bound sumo world, it might be more like 30 to 50 years behind. While there is increase of wrestlers and stablemasters who value sports science and nutrition lately, there still seem to be many leaders who believe strength required for sumo is primarily developed through practice matches.

是非、幕内力士と立会って欲しいです！次元の違う強さと巧さを実感できると思うので。

I've followed you through wsm for awhile and I've got to say as someone who just discovered your videos of strength unknown and your japan trip I'm really appreciative of your humble, sincere and extremely wholesome perspective. Your stuff evokes a lot of anthony bourdains travel shows and I mean that in the best way possible. I also feel a reminder of my past passion for strength and exercise and feel somewhat reinvigorated by your passion for strength in all its forms. Thank you for your passion and thanks for these lenses into strength that I never really would have gotten to appreciate before.

great writing, great storytelling and great respect that can be felt through the video. I'm just starting but this series is really a great point of entry into sumo .. and strongmen subculture. Really interesting and fascinating. Will share on the blog in the following times.

A big Sumo fan here. You went full on in this experience, truly understood the way of living of a Rikishi! Also, pretty cool to see you ate the Tatsunami Beya which is training ground from the Ozeki Hoshoryu, the nephew of the great Mongolian Yokozuna Asashoryu!

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I loved that you learnt Japanese as well. Shows how much you respect the culture. Great work! Prosperous, healthy and happy 2024 to you and your team!

Martinさん、あなたのお陰様で日本人に生まれたことを誇らしく思えました。 素敵な動画とパッションをありがとう。

I just started the video and I have to say. It is the first time I saw any of your videos and I love the narration, and I'm excited for what is to come. Feedback: Keep it up with the great work. I loved the results, and the "storytelling" of the journey.

This series deserves to be like on the discovery channel. Level of production is crazy.

4:23 you just got compared to the strongest Baki Character. That is the biggest compliment you could have gotten. 21:43 Also did i just hear one of the "One Piece," openings during the Karaoke.

25:23 fyi the guy here just managed to become a salaried wrestler 😊

This video is a breath of fresh air. Too often these days the pressure is put on fame over passion. You guys are figuring out true freedom: doing what you want combined with natural talents. Love it! Been following since the beginning, no regrets 🤘

What I love about this so much is that there is no ego, no disrespect, just humble and respectful where you just giver' the commentary almost gives me Lofty Pursuits vibes.

I've watched sumo my whole life. The sumotori are not used to getting visitors that can match their size. I bet they were really excited to see martins lol

Thank you very much for introducing Japanese culture to so many non-Japanese people through English, as it is properly understood through a foreigner's eyes. I'm Japanese and have been watching sumo for a long time. This has been the case since the days of Yokozuna Chiyonofuji in the 80s and Yokozuna Takanohana in the 90s. I am very happy that you have come to practice with great respect for the tradition and culture of sumo. And I feel that you have gained a deeper understanding of sumo. Your surashi and shiko moves were very good, making you look like a real sumo wrestler.

Amazing high quality content. You were super good at this. I think they weren’t impressed with your size alone but also the speed and agility. How did people react to your Japanese? I’ve heard mixed opinions that they really don’t like when foreigners speak it.

I've been watching the futagoyama beya channel and have been following there channel for a while , this was super cool to watch from an English point of view , literally pro content I loved every second of it,

❤❤❤ I was so excited for this to be released ❤❤❤ amazing work Romark and Martins ❤❤❤

I'm French, i just discover your channel and this vidéo is just WAOW it exudes humanity and kindness ! All of the Rikishi looks amazed about your power, and they look so happy to share their art and knowledge with you. Truly pure experience

素人で力士の練習に参加するなんて凄い！初日はぎこちない動きに見えたが2日目は結構サマになってたね！ 首お大事にしてください。軽トラにぶつかってる様な物だから😅

Man this is the first video I've watched of you and this answered my question of "I wonder how our strongman/nfl lineman would do in sumo?" I loved your homage to Bourdain style cadence of narrating and your honest break down of you're going through. You got a like, subscribe and this comment. More ideas for you, how would you fare in, bycling?(get a tour de france pro on the chanel) how would you do swimming comp? yoga? ultra marathon? nfl? the possiblities are endless.

I just know already this video is going to be great

i really like this episode! i like sumo very much! production quality is amazing, especially so fitting traditional music! you are quite lucky to be able to go in and record it, which is not easy task...

I have been saying for years now that if Sumo, Strongman, and American football training practices were properly and carefully mixed and merged the competitor in any of those would be in a class by themselves within the first year and nearly mythological in ability by the end of five. It would be a breathtaking journey to witness.

Props to you for not only respecting the culture, but also the language. Japan is one of my 2 homes, glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for being open and respecting.

I can tell you studied a lot of Japanese before going over there. I'm sure the locals appreciated that! I think you'd integrate well if you chose to move there!

Your videos have appeared seemingly out of nowhere. They're brilliant! A really nice mix of adventure, history, culture and of course strength. You're a real natural in front of the camera and all the videos I've watched have had some fantastic videography too.

Such a great experience and honor it must be to train at pro sumo stable! It isn't totally the same, but have you ever thought of maybe trying some sumo competitions in the US? Should definitely look into it if/when you have spare time!

On top of the respectful tone throughout the video, Martins' use of Japanese is especially incredible. Such sincere production!

What a privilege to be part of it ! Tank you Martins ! From France

Martins : “ I feel like I’m in a movie or a show or something” Romark : “you’re on RU-vid” 😂😂😂😂

Hey Martins, I'm glad you approached this video with such humility and respect. To the point of learning the language!! Some people in the west view the sport as a kind of a freak show instead of a two thousand year old martial art with its associated and very committed life style. Excellent work.