Mongolian Triple Threat: Wrestler, Movie Star, Sushi Chef

Byamba Ulambayar, originally from Mongolia, is a champion sumo wrestler, a movie star and a sushi chef. He is wearing a traditional kimono.

Washington — At 360 pounds (163 kilograms) and over 6 feet (1.8 meters) in height, Byambajav Ulambayar looms large both in and out of the wrestling ring. The reigning sumo champion of the world, Mongolian-born “Byamba” enjoyed a streak of more than 100 consecutive victories, mostly against the sumo champions of other nations, but he has not been content to rest on his laurels.

In 2006, at the age of 20, Byamba left the world of Japanese sumo for broader horizons — in Hollywood and the kitchen. The following year he made his film debut in “Ocean's 13,” and he has since appeared in print ads, television shows and commercials, including the memorable “KGB Sumo” 2010 Super Bowl commercial. Byamba is also an experienced professional-level sushi chef and specializes in all manner of Asian cuisines, including Mongolian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and more.

"Byamba is almost unique,” says Andrew Freund, director of USA Sumo. “He is a sumo competitor of the highest caliber, with three World Champion titles, yet he is also a talented and charismatic actor, with regular appearances all over the world, in film, TV and commercials, in addition to tournaments that he competes in. No one with his elite experience in Japanese professional sumo has traveled so widely, serving as a sumo ambassador to dozens of countries, year in and year out."

Sumo wrestlers are famous for their strength, endurance and girth. Byamba is no exception. He maintains a rigorous training schedule, and like other sumo wrestlers eats two big meals a day, which usually consist of a stew called “chanko-nabe.” This dish — made of meats, eggs, chicken, fish and all kinds of vegetables — is reportedly quite tasty. Byamba is among a handful of experts in the United States who has learned to cook this nutritious Japanese dish. To pack in extra calories, chanko-nabe is followed by large quantities of rice and noodles.

In all his professional activities, video and photo shoots, educational events and personal appearances, Byamba consistently demonstrates an admirable work ethic and exemplary attitude.

"Sumo has taken me from my native Mongolia to professional competition in Japan, to the film business in Hollywood, to tournaments in a dozen nations throughout the world. I am very fortunate to be part of this amazing journey," Byamba says. He is also aware of strong ties with his native land. “I'm very happy to have so many wonderful opportunities in the United States,” Byamba continues, “but I'm also proud and grateful for the Mongolian culture that I grew up in."