PROFESSIONAL LUNCHEON
Baruto, Sumo Champion (Ozeki)
Keishi Onoe, Onoebeya Oyakata

The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation

Having just lost one hero (Asashoryu), sumo was desperate to find another to challenge lone Yokozuna Hakuho, so the continuing rise of affable Estonian star Baruto should keep sumo's guardians relatively happy. Unlike the recently retired "Mad Mongolian," Baruto is one of the sport's nice guys -- always friendly, always smiling, a good sport.

At 198 cm and 188 kg, the former judo champion always had a decent chance of success in Japan's "sacred" sport, but he had to overcome the usual cultural barriers and injuries before staking his claim as one of the best. After defeating Hakuho in January and going 14-1 in March, Baruto was promoted to sumo's second-highest rank: Ozeki. Few would bet against him joining Hakuho as a Yokozuna, but he still needs to win a championship.

Baruto will come to the club to recount his rise up sumo's ranks and give an insight into the world of sumo from a European point of view. He will be joined by his stable master Onoue Oyakata.

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Sandwich: Buffalo Spiced Chicken Breast with Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Blue Cheese Mayonnaise on Ciabatta, Salad & Pickles
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Baruto, Sumo Champion (Ozeki)

Keishi Onoe, Onoebeya Oyakata