It’s a lot more than just belly-bouncing

Think of sumo wrestling, and you might envision two men bouncing their bellies off each other. But nothing could be further from the truth, says California Sumo Assn. director Andrew Freund. To prove his point, the association is holding its seventh annual U.S. Sumo Open this Saturday at the Los Angeles Sports Arena for those wanting a more authentic look at the ancient Japanese sport.

“What they’ll see are guys slamming their heads into each other like two bulls,” says Freund, who will be announcing the event. “They’ll see agility, they’ll see speed, and they’ll see guys literally flying out of the ring.” But no belly-bouncing -- despite what you may have seen in TV commercials featuring obese actors.

Attendees will also see some of the world’s best amateur sumo wrestlers. Among the 50 scheduled competitors (including eight women) are heavyweights Byambajav Ulambayar (Mongolia), the reigning World Championship gold medalist; Hans Borg (Norway), a two-time World Championship medalist; and Wayne Vierra (Hawaii), a 2006 U.S. Sumo Open silver medalist.

The tournament has close to 100 matches in four divisions (light-, middle-, heavyweight and open), and though last year’s spectacular lightweight final lasted nearly three minutes, other matches can be over in as little as two seconds. If you happen to blink, big screens will be available to replay all the important action.

And for fans who wish to sample Japan’s other cultural offerings, get to the Sports Arena early. According to Freund, the sushi, Sapporo beer and Hakutsuru sake sold out in less than an hour at last year’s event.

*

-- Alex Chun

U.S. Sumo Open, Los Angeles Sports Arena, 3939 S. Figueroa St., L.A. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, main event begins at 12:30 p.m. $25, adults; $15, 2 to 18. (310) 288-3641, www.usasumo.com.