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In 1964, a young man left the confines of Happy Valley, Maui for a career as a professional sumo wrestler in Tokyo, Japan. That young man was Jesse "Takamiyama" Kuhaulua. In January 1968, he was promoted to Makuuchi (top) Division. In 1972, he became the first foreigner to win a major tournament, the Emperor’s Cup, by defeating Champion Ashaikuni. During his 20-year career he set several records, including 1,425 consecutive bouts. He retired in June 1984 with a record of 689-774 and became a very successful Sumo Stable Master. |
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Historical Timeline: 1964, Nelson Mandela sentenced to life imprisonment. |
