Jesse Takamiyama aka Jesse Kuhaulua is a sumo wrestler and sumo wrestling coach who was born in Hawaii and became a citizen of Japan in 1980. From the age of 19, until 1984, Takamiya was a champion sumo wrestler. After retiring from fighting, he went on to open his own sumo stable in Japan. He announced his retirement on June 6, 2009. Sac Bee: Jessie Takamiyama retires from sumo
References
Fast Facts
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Full name
Jesse Takamiyama aka Jesse Kuhaulua and Takamiyama Daigor
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Born
June 16, 1944
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Birthplace
Happy Valley, Maui, Hawaii
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Height
6' 4"
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Weight
452
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Debuted
March 1964
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Highest rank
Sekiwake
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Fact:
Won the Emperor's cup in 1972 by defeating Champion Ashaikuni
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Fact:
Was the first foreign-born sumo wrestler to win the Emperor's cup
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Fact:
Retired from fighting in 1984
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Fact:
Opened a sumo training stable in Tokyo
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Fact:
Announced that he was retiring from sumo just before his 65th birthday in June 2009
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Fact:
Received a congratulatory letter from President Barack Obama, who was also born in Hawaii
