Backbeat 11/4/09

Thursday, November 05, 2009

By PJH Staff

SUMO WRESTLERS WEIGH IN
Jackson Hole, Wyo.-It must be in our nature to find intrigue with oddities. Sumo wrestlers – armed in only underwear, often obese (by the CDC’s standards) and usually misunderstood by Westerners – are no exception.

Kelly Gneiting, sumo wrestler and president of Idaho’s Snake River Sumo Association will compete along with 15 other sumo wrestlers at Jackson Hole High School on Saturday.

Gneiting is a dedicated competitor, fervent about his sport. He explained that sumo wrestling was the first martial art, stemming from the Japanese Samurai and pointed out the meaning behind sumo wrestlers’ virtually nude physiques.

 “We enter the dirt doyho (dirt to represent the battlefield) nearly naked as a form of purity,” Gneiting explained. “We’re not hiding anything, weapons or otherwise, and all our blemishes are there for the world to see.”

This Saturday, Gneiting said audiences will leave “with their jaws dropped, and in their mind sumo [will have] changed from fat guys belly-bucking to martial artists performing their battle-art.”

Sumo wrestling, 5:30 p.m., Saturday at Jackson Hole High School. $5; $10 per family; $3 students; and children are free. 208-760-7411.

Humane hunters
Evolutionary psychologist Randall L. Eaton Ph.D. has proposed that hunting is a crucial rite of passage for young boys in his new book From Boys to Men of Heart.
He will explain his theory, that asserts hunting stirs sympathy and bonds with the natural world, at Teton County Library on Thursday.

Oona Doherty, adult humanities coordinator said that Eaton has a reputation for being an engaging speaker and that in an area where hunting is a prevalent activity, audiences should find relevance in Eaton’s topic.

“Hunting as a rite of passage is an interesting idea worth exploring,” she noted.
From Boys to Men of Heart reading and signing, 6:30 p.m., Thursday at Teton County Library. Free. 733-2164.

New and used snow gear this weekend
Gear costs - particularly for sports of the wooden-plank persuasion - can discourage beginners and send powder hounds to the poorhouse (or at least the Dollar Store for duct tape).

So each year the Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club hosts its annual ski swap, a place to sell gear, score new gear from local and regional vendors and used gear from your neighbors all at affordable prices.

Goods run the gamut of hard and soft varieties from jackets and pants to skis, snowboards, poles and boots.

Carrie Pennington, JH Ski and Snowboard Club’s executive director said the swap also serves as an integral fundraiser for the club. “It’s one of the largest ways we raise money to keep programs affordable,” she said.

How it works: bring gear to swap from noon to 7 p.m., Friday, at the Heritage Area at the Rodeo Grounds.

Then on Saturday morning, arrive early to secure a spot in line. (Although doors open at 7:30 a.m., lines form by 6 a.m.) 
Early bird admission is $10 or $5 with a Ski Club membership card. Admission decreases to a buck after 8:15 a.m.

Show up with a canned good to get raffle tickets for prizes from gear and clothing to food and brews. 733-6433.

Find balance with new DW classes
When the weather grows cold, but not cold enough, indoors pursuits seem all the more attractive. Dancers’ Workshop will offer two new classes designed for beginners and developed for better wellbeing. 

This Monday is the first session of a beginner workshop for Vinyasa yoga, emphasizing breathing and fluid, dance-like transfers of movement.

DW will also offer a Pilates workshop for beginners - that teaches fundamentals such as core emphasis and controlled breathing - in November and December.
Vinyasa Yoga Workshop, 8:30 a.m., Mondays, beginning Nov. 9 at the Center for the Arts. $65 for five weeks, no drop-ins. Beginning Pilates Workshop, 8:30 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning Nov. 17 at the Center. $120 for five weeks, preregistration is preferred. 733-6398.

Win a trip to da beach, boyee
Beef up your karmic score sheet and increase the chance of warming your toes in the sand this winter at the Wild Game Dinner – an annual fundraiser for The Children’s Learning Center.

An eve of big game delicacies, dancing, drinking and silent and live auctions will ensue followed by a raffle featuring a trip for two to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The Children’s Learning Center offers aid and education to special needs, low-income and at-risk youth.

Wild Game Dinner begins 6 p.m., Saturday at Snow King. $75; $750 per corporate table. Raffle tickets are $25; $65 for three. 733-1616.

Photo by PATRICK CAIN
Sumo wrestler Kelly Gneiting has nothing to hide, this Saturday.


PERMALINK:
Backbeat 11/4/09 | Planet JH News Article: Coulter Elementary School

Leave a Comment