Testament to Mike's character that he puts himself out there like that, willing to be an absolute beginner and be humbled. Nice slice of humour throughout also, great stuff.

the way he interpreted mike focusing on time under tension rather than heavy weights as him "talking to his muscles" shows how smart this guy is

The balls to show that you're not the strongest is actually cool, many youtubers wouldn't show themselves on a position of "weakness"

*This is former Komusubi Jōkōryū Takayuki who was salaried for a number of years before dropping to unsalaried ranks and recently retiring. He may be humble but he was among the best sumo wrestlers in his prime.*

It’s incredible how many types of different martial arts the japanese have, sumo, karate, jiu jitsu, judo, bushi do, and not only martial arts, they have absolutely everything, weapons, food, high technology, culture, anime, fashion, jeans, sushi, science, philosophy, I don’t even know what they don’t have, and everything is high quality, beautiful, aesthetic, even the fight and wrestling gyms

mikes youtube videos just keep getting better and better love the travel ones :)

I am currently in Japan and we went to see them train at the stables for a day. It looked like some of the most intense training iv ever seen. Painful face palms, constant leg conditioning and matches after matches with little to no rest drenched in sweat. Was fantastic and such an amazing cultural experience that i recommend anyone who visit japan do. Just make sure you go during the sumo season. We got to see the 2nd and 4th ranked sumo in Japan go at it for an hour match after match. Truly an experience never to forget! Some of them are in this video the ones wearing white belts (higher ranked sumo)!

When I used to watch TV as a kid, Sumo would be portrayed as more like a circus thing, but holy shit these guys are intense and train hardcore as fuck. Unfortunately I can't imagine the stress on their hearts if very healthy if they're training every day whilst weighing like 130 to 200 kg...

Sumo wrestlers have to be some of the most underestimated athletes in the world. Outstanding glimpse into the world of sumo wrestling and another amazing video!

The lesson from the past three video's is that everything in Japan is based on respect. A value we lack in the West ....

Anyone that’s done any grappling training (judo, bjj, or Olympic wrestling) you have a understanding of how truly impressive these guys are! Incredible athletes and super skilled

Absolutely fascinating! The amount of patience, training and dedication these guys have is astounding. It's also great to see Mike's appreciation, curiosity and respect towards their sport, culture and daily regimen. Respect!

Great video The channel is truly getting better

Been waiting for this video, absolutely a joy to watch!

You've been rag dolled! Incredibly strong guys, and so much training and commitment. Looked like a fun but humbling experience. Loving the content Mike.

Honestly Mike, been watching for years, you don't need to shell BS courses, this type of content is fantastic are you are a natural with it.

Love the content, Mike, you're an inspiration! More of these travel vlogs, please!

ガチの相撲部屋じゃなくて例のレストランか…と思ったがコーチは元小結常幸龍！ そりゃ歯が立たなくて当然です（笑） 良い経験しましたね

Thank you for sharing this Mike! Great content!

Such a brilliant video and insight into the Sumo world. Loving it!

love you since day one, please upload more often

Great original content...another enjoyable vlog to watch. Awesome work!

Awesome video! I love Japan and I look up to you as a fitness example, so the two combined made this an amazing video to me! So great to see you exploring culture!

Been waiting for this 🥰🥰🥰

It's fun to watch Mike's videos but not just that by doing that we learn a lot about the world at all. Great content brother!

Amazing video Mike, great job. Sumo is fascinating.

Fascinating vlog, the most interesting one you’ve made. An authentic understanding to the Sumo. The whole Japan trip has been compelling.

big Mike T knocking these Japan vlogs out the park. Mongolia next! Sumo guy was the dude. Mike always gets the best out of people. True reflection of the man, the myth...

Very informative and entertaining, thank you guys

so humble and just a perfection of a human mike, very well done!

You're a fun dude to watch Mike... Thanks for the content! Good stuff 👍

Props to you Mike learning new things about martial arts

Hands down! This japan series has been the best videos on this channel. Absolutely immersive and exciting. Learnt alot. Well done ! Please keep these coming ❤

Really fun to watch!

Mike, this is one of your best vids!!😂

Thanks for sharing this with us Mike ❤

Bro your videos really give that motivation I need it to keep going and keep working on myself thank brother ❤

Very Informative video. Thank you!

Love the japan vlogs

Awesome video!!

love the Japan videos Mike hope there is more to come

What an experience! Thanks for sharing Mike.

love your videos. it provides a very interesting perspective on other cultures

another intresting one, good work.

Great video….. total respect for these guys , so powerful

Mike has become my favorite travel blogger and hes getting me in shape too

I really loved this video. Upgraded from Subscribed Personalized to Subscribed All. Good job! 👍👍

Really interesting video Mike

This was a fascinating video on the training and life of sum wrestlers. The sumo’s strength is so incredible that muscled Mike can barely compete. I really enjoy these travel videos; these are a welcome change from standard muscle training tips in the gym.

I don't normally comment on videos but that was very interesting. It is really inspiring to see you out of your comfort zone. 🙂

Very entertaining content!

Not going to lie this vlog is extremely interesting and really has shed a light into different cultures and their sports!

wow the past few videos have been extremely fascinating

this was fun to watch!

He's "talking to his muscles!" Awesome interpretation of the mind muscle connection and great video 🙌🏽❤

Great video Mike!! Keep making these cultural ones please and maybe food!

Wow! Never knew Sumo was this intense. The number of hours they put into making their bodies that strong is beyond impressive. Mike Thurston is such a cool human being for all the knowledge hes sharing in his videos man 👏👏

Cool video. The sumo guy seemed like a cool man.

I met you on the beach a few days ago Mike, you are humble, helpful and very kind. Thanks, great content!💪🏼

You and @mattdoesfitness need to get this on 😂 Top vlog 👏🏻

I'm loving this Japan series Mikey T is cool af

Best video yet

Have to respect their dedication - fascinating stuff!

素晴らしいドキュメントです。彼の説明もすごくわかりやすい。普段スカしてたMikeが笑顔になってしまう状況が変化として楽しいですね。

fantastic video Mike, you have the muscle but these guys have the skill.

amazing video bro

Mike's best video yet. Enough of the grandiose insta BS and more humble pie gets a sub from me.

Mike should invite the Sumo dude to do a lifting session in the gym?

good stuff mike any chance you may include some of the leg exercises from sumo ?

I'm glad you get to live life to the fullest bro 👍 🙏 you are a very humble and have a good future.

Okay that female translator is fine ! nice vlog as always mike you never miss brother

Watching this during the current basho is a treat

13:30 🤣 Mike trying to fight with wall ! Oh my stomach

How does Mike not have 5M+ subscribers? This is legitimately something worth procrastinating to watch, lol.

Fascinating!

Lovely collision of two worlds

i respect this man for giving it his best

Great 3 episodes Mike. I felt the translation let it down a little. You need a proper translator who can translate as they speak. I felt like the conversation was just between her and the Sumo guy.

muchas gracias

This was interesting!

Think this has been his favourite trip ❤

The sumo wrestling was Gold Mike, very entertaining and funny.

The training and schedule of these athletes is insane

Mike is strong, but he is Jokoryu 常幸龍, used to fight on the top sumo ranking. he is the real deal even retired A very good video!!

The mobility of this guy at his size is mad

Mike is a unit for going toe to toe with a sumo wrestler as an absolute beginner I reckon he’d be a force if he did it for a couple of years

Mike is running in one place😂😂

Awesome!

What a great guy is Jokoryu

This Video makes me want to travel to Japan to get humbled by a giant sumo wrestler.

That’s awesome, what a sport I would love to watch it professionally.

Keep the point of gravity as low as possible ... and push upwards. Weight definitely matters, but balance matters even more ...

23min Mike? Gotta be longer next time!

awesome vid. and love the lack of rejoicing with any win to respect one's opponent. US, you listening?

Someone needs to get the Bloatlord against a pro Sumo wrestler. Imagine the views

I am so impressed with the sumo!

Respect to Mike!

Big Mike!

No surprise that Mike has a very attractive translator

Mike's career 10 years later.