[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 29, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S4889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JESSE KUHAULUA

 Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I would like to recognize Mr. Jesse 
Kuhaulua, renowned sumo wrestler and stablemaster. June 6, 2009, marks 
Mr. Kuhaulua's 65th birthday, and official retirement from the sport of 
sumo. It is with warm aloha that I congratulate Mr. Kuhaulua on these 
milestones.
  The traditions of sumo span centuries. During the 8th century, sumo 
wrestling matches were integrated into the ceremonies of the Imperial 
Court. With the support of the Imperial Court, sumo evolved and 
developed rules and techniques that closely resemble the sumo of today. 
In the 12th century, under a military dictatorship, intense warfare 
ensued, and sumo was used to improve fighting skills. When peace was 
restored in the early 17th century, professional sumo groups were 
organized to entertain the rapidly expanding mercantile class, and sumo 
came into its own as the national sport of Japan. The present day Japan 
Sumo Association has its origins in these groups. An amalgamation of 
Shinto ritual, skill, and entertainment, sumo is more than a practice 
of strength and combat. Sumo epitomizes Japanese culture and its 
affinity for tradition.
  Mr. Kuhaulua was born and raised in Hawaii on the Island of Maui, and 
in 1964 left the islands to pursue the sport of sumo in Japan. Over the 
course of nearly 45 years, as both a wrestler and stablemaster, Mr. 
Kuhaulua has been a pioneer and a legend. As an individual athlete, his 
achievements are outstanding. Mr. Kuhaulua holds almost every all-time 
individual sumo record of endurance or in the iron-man category. As a 
trail blazer, he has earned a place in sumo history that will never be 
forgotten, as the first foreigner to win a tournament championship, and 
to open a sumo stable. His coaching skills helped develop the skills of 
Mr. Chad Rowan, the first foreigner to achieve the rank of Yokozuna. 
The legacy Mr. Kuhaulua leaves the world of sumo wrestling will 
continue to be an inspiration for generations to come.
  I applaud Mr. Kuhaulua for his hard work and perseverance that has 
led to his great achievements in sumo, and wish him the best in the 
bright years ahead.

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