World Sumo Coming To NJ This Sunday
When World Championship Sumo comes to the Prudential Center in Newark on Sunday, one of the participants will be Abdelrahman “Sandstorm” Shalan, who is originally from Egypt but now lives here in New Jersey in Clifton.
Wait.
A sumo wrestler from Egypt?
This is starting to get really confusing.
I don’t know about you, but my knowledge of sumo wrestling is limited.
Make that VERY limited.
I know the wrestlers are big.
Make that VERY big, with some of them tipping the scales at 400+ pounds.
I also know that the sport as we know it now goes back to the 1600’s in Japan, so there is a lot of history and tradition involved.
Take it from me, there is a LOT to learn about this fascinating sport that combines size, power, and technique.
RELATED: Sumo Wrestling Stomping into Newark
Abdelrahman “Sandstorm” Shalan is the first professional Sumo wrestler from Africa, Shalan previously competed in the Otaki stable in Japan and won his first tournament, eventually reaching the highest rank of maegashira 1 in November 2015.
Prior to his career in Japan, Shalan won silver at the 2008 junior Sumo world championships, gold in a 2009 amateur championship in Bulgaria and bronze in the 2010 World Junior Championships.
The 31-year-old has also competed in MMA for the Rizin promotion and recently coached the Egyptian Sumo team at the 2022 World Games.
Sandstorm joined Jim Monaghan on the WDHA Morning Jolt to talk about how he got into sumo, this weekend’s event, and the story behind his nickname “Sandstorm.”
5 Fun Things To Do With Your Dog For Valentine's Day
How About A Dog Cake From Calandra's Bakery? YUM!
Calandra’s Bakery has an awesome Doggy section- and the cakes are safe for humans too! (But of course you can shop their “actual bakery” for New Jersey’s best desserts!
Yum, Yum, Yum!!! Calandra’s is one of my favorite places in New Jersey. Their Italian Village has EVERYTHING you can imagine for not only humans, but for our best furry friend too. They are so dog friendly and have hosted WDHA Yappy Hours that were absolutely incredible. Their “Dog Cakes” section of their bakery is OFF THE CHAIN! And they have special cakes for dogs for Valentine’s Day too. Grab something for your pup, something for you and have a party!
Head To The Dog Beach In Asbury Park
My late pup Scarlet LOVED going to the beach in Asbury Park and Island Beach State Park – RIP Scarlet- I miss you like crazy
Located at 1738 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park, If your best friend needs some sand and sea, the Dog Beach in Asbury Park is a great location to get both. Open from Mid September To Mid May and then in the summer in early mornings or evenings, this is a fun place for you and your pup!
Grab Some New Valentines Day Toys From Home Towne Pet Shoppe.
Valentines Day toys at Home Towne Pet Shoppe
Roșie loves her Pepperoni Pizza Toy!
With three North Jersey locations-
Morris Plains, West Caldwell and Pompton Lakes – Home Towne Pet Shoppe is a great place for Valentine’s Day Toys and the best food and treat selection. Rosie LOVES shopping there! Check out her “Pupperoni Pizza” toy. Home Towne Pet ShoppeMake A Donation of Food, Or Funds To Your Local Animal Shelter
I love meeting shelter dogs and loving on them….something so simple…goes a long way
A little goes a long way and every small bit helps our shelter friends. It will warm your heart!
Also stop by and socialize or offer to volunteer to walk a dog at your local shelter. There are so many ways to get involved.A few of our fave North Jersey shelter groups….
Randolph Regional Animal Shelter
Make Some Extra Time To Just "BE" With Your Dog
Time is something that is precious, and something we can never get back. I love spending time with Rosie. Walking, Unwinding, Just hanging. It’s the greatest . And the thing that chills me out the most. Being with my best friend. We never have them long enough, and after losing both Scarlet and Star within two years, I never take the simple element of “time” for granted.
I love spending time with Rosie Carr
