Larger than life doesnB次元官网网址檛 even begin to describe Brodi Henderson.

At six-foot-seven and more than 300 lbs, the 19-year-old Langford resident who bench pressed 290 lbs as a 12-year-old has proven that size does matter, becoming the first Canadian ever to win the U.S. Sumo Open in California.

B次元官网网址淚 didnB次元官网网址檛 picture this five years ago, it was just something I thought I would do for fun,B次元官网网址� the soft-spoken Henderson said. B次元官网网址淚 am proud to have competed for Canada and be the first Canadian to win the U.S. Open and bring back a trophy for my country, so I am pretty proud.B次元官网网址�

Originating in Japan, the sport sees two competitors charge each other off a line and then open-hand strike, grapple, topple, throw or push the opponent to the canvas or outside a 4.55-metres diameter circular ring. The Sumo ring has proven to be home for the young Belmont graduate who won five matches in a row in a single-knockout tournament to take the title.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 very physical. The initial hit coming off the line is similar to football in offensive line and defensive line and you are allowed open palm strike, so (thereB次元官网网址檚) a lot of jabbing of throats. ItB次元官网网址檚 very physical almost to the extent of punches,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址�(But I enjoy it), my goal is to become a Yokozuna in Japanese Sumo.B次元官网网址�

Making his achievement more impressive is the fact that he traditionally trains alone without the advantage of other sumo wrestlers to practice with. He sweats it out in a replica sumo ring, or dohyo, his father Lee helped build in his back yard, where he pushes around tractor tires, heavy weights and large 45-gallon pails wrapped in denim and filled with water or sand. ItB次元官网网址檚 very hard work, he said, and the amount of work it takes to compete is contrary to the perception some have of the competitors that may not have the traditional athletic build.

B次元官网网址淚t is very different and a lot of people have different expectations,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚 (too) first thought about it as big fat guys throwing each other around,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淏ut (now I know) a high amount is technique and balance in very short and intense matches. ItB次元官网网址檚 a good competitive physical sport all around, I think it is going to get big. It is a very unique sport, I like it a lot.B次元官网网址�

Getting big is something that he constantly works at he said, eating 10-egg omelettes, several cans of tuna, sausages, ham and whatever else he has lying around in a single meal. Drinks often include numerous glasses of milk, and he eats five times a day to stay fit and keep the weight on.

B次元官网网址淚 am on the seafood diet, I see food and I eat it,B次元官网网址� he said, laughing. B次元官网网址淲e have four to six dozen eggs in the house at all times and I eat five times a day (yet) it is hard to keep heavy.B次元官网网址�

HendersonB次元官网网址檚 father Lee said successful sumo wrestlers in Japan are superstars and can find themselves in commercials and community events and said if his son wants to do it, he believes he can.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not just strength, itB次元官网网址檚 a way of thinking, itB次元官网网址檚 a way of life, about honour and integrity and dignity,B次元官网网址� Lee said. B次元官网网址淚f you won, you would never pump your hands in the air or if you lost turn away and swear. If he can wrap his head around it and embrace it for what it is - he could be really successful.B次元官网网址�

Regardless of what his son chooses to pursue B次元官网网址� Henderson has been recruited by several Canadian and American universities already B次元官网网址� Lee said he is already proud of the boy who now towers over him.

B次元官网网址淓veryone in Langford just knows he is a good kid. He is respectful and very polite. Every team he played on he was well liked and respected,B次元官网网址� Lee said. B次元官网网址淓veryone recognizes him and he is a fine young man, sumo or no sumo, sport or no sport, I am just very proud of him.B次元官网网址�

Brodi doesnB次元官网网址檛 know yet know what the future will hold but hopes to give Japan a shot before it is all said and done.

B次元官网网址淚 think it is going to be very difficult at first and a lot of getting used to, I have quite a good life here,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚 like to think I can do it for sure but I will definitely do my best, and do my best to shine down there and move up as fast as possible. This is the biggest decision of my life.B次元官网网址�

alim@goldstreamgazette.com