Sumo Wrestling in Japan: The Comprehensive Guide

Sumo wrestling in Japan, deeply rooted in ancient Shinto rituals, is a blend of tradition wrestling and sport that dates back over 1,500 years, making it an important element of Japanese culture. Governed by the Japan Sumo Association, sumo wrestling attracts not only local fans but also global audiences eager to witness the grandeur of sumo wrestling Tokyo tournaments, as well as those in Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.

1. What is Sumo Wrestling?

Sumo wrestling, a traditional Japanese sport, is a competitive full-contact discipline that showcases the size, strength, and perseverance of its participants.

The objective of sumo wrestling is simple:

• The rikishi (力士 - sumo wrestler) either must push their opponent out of the circular ring (dohyo) or force them to touch the ground with any part other than the soles of their feet.
• This is achieved through a combination of throwing, shoving, and pushing techniques.
• There is no wright division in sumo. It is based on skill.

The popularity of sumo wrestling extends beyond Japan, captivating audiences worldwide with its ceremonial practices, thrilling tournaments, and the dynamic challenges it faces in the modern era.

2. Becoming 'Yokozuna' as a Sumo Wrestler

Yokozuna (横綱), the highest rank for a sumo wrestler, representing the pinnacle of achievement in the sport. The Yokozuna is not only a symbol of excellence but also a role model for aspiring sumo wrestlers, embodying the traditions and values of sumo wrestling. With rigorous training, unwavering dedication, and a deep understanding of the sport's rituals, Yokozuna exemplifies the essence of sumo wrestling and holds a revered position in Japanese culture.

3. A Sumo Wrestler's Diet

Sumo wrestlers only eat twice a day, yet on average they consume between 7,000 - 10,000 calories a day. The diet in professional sumo wrestling is a crucial aspect of their training and performance, especially when maintaining the extreme size and weight needed for the top sumo wrestler divisions. Sumo wrestlers consume a high-calorie, protein-rich diet consisting of staple foods like chankonabe (ちゃんこ鍋), a famous hearty stew made with meat, vegetables, and tofu, which meant for weight gain.

This calorie-dense diet helps them maintain their large physique and provides the energy needed for their intense training sessions. Additionally, sumo wrestlers adhere to strict eating schedules and portion control to ensure they meet their nutritional needs while managing their weight.

4. Training Like a Sumo Wrestler

Given the extreme number of calories that sumo consumes, why do they not die early from obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes? It comes down to their intense physical training, which prevents the build-up of visceral fat, causing metabolic and cardiovascular disease.

Sumo wrestlers follow a strict training regimen that includes intense physical conditioning, daily practice sessions. They live in communal training facilities, where they adhere to a hierarchical structure and engage in daily chores to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the stable. The life of a sumo wrestler is centered around the pursuit of excellence in the sport, with a deep respect for tradition and a commitment to upholding the values of sumo wrestling.

• At the crack of dawn, junior Rikishi at the sumo stable begin their strenuous day without breakfast, diving into the rigors of sumo training as early as 5 am.
• Their nutritional regimen, featuring the protein-rich Chanko-nabe, is meticulously crafted to foster the growth of muscle and power, pivotal for triumphing in sumo confrontations.
• Sumo wrestler training is comprehensive, incorporating various exercises such as repetitive squats and shiko, all designed to boost strength, enhance flexibility, and improve balance.

• Despite their robust stature, sumo wrestlers maintain a sumo lifestyle that distributes their weight in a healthier way than often assumed, with fat predominantly located beneath the skin rather than around internal organs.
• The sumo lifestyle, with an average life expectancy of a Rikishi hovering around 65 years, underscores the urgency for enhanced medical care in the sport, particularly in terms of swift responses and meticulous attention to serious injuries.
  
  

• The ascent of a Rikishi through the sumo ranks is a true reflection of their mastery, discipline, and unwavering persistence.
• Embarking on their journey from the lowest sumo ranks, the Jonokuchi division, at approximately 16 years old, a wrestler diligently works their way up the sumo hierarchy, propelled by official victories, with the ultimate goal of attaining the revered Yokozuna status.
• Attaining sekitori status within the upper echelons of sumo ranks signifies a pivotal achievement, bestowing privileges such as donning vibrant mawashi and the support of a lower-ranked wrestler as an attendant.

The sumo lifestyle, structured by enduring traditions and stringent codes of conduct, illuminates the Rikishi's commitment to their craft and the profound cultural importance of sumo wrestling within Japan.

5. Major Sumo Tournaments and Modern Challenges

At the pulsating epicenter of sumo wrestling Tokyo, the basho or Grand Sumo Tournaments are celebrated events, drawing large audiences to witness the apex of sumo talent. These sumo tournaments, occurring six times annually, unfold over 15 days. The absence of weight divisions leads to David vs. Goliath style bouts, with skill triumphing over size.

Sumo wrestlers' lives are intricately governed, with restrictions such as a driving ban, highlighting the sport's profound cultural roots and the distinctive challenges that these athletes encounter.

• Entry Order: In the hierarchical world of sumo ranks, wrestlers make their entrance into the ring in ascending order of status, from the junior ranks to the esteemed Yokozuna, the pinnacle of sumo prestige.
• League Levels: From jonokuchi to makuuchi, the sumo divisions carve out the path to sumo stardom, with each level acting as a competitive battleground for aspiring champions.
  
  

• Schedule Demands: The sumo lifestyle, as reflected in the current sumo calendar, is packed with regional tours and charity events, offering little respite for wrestlers, and thus exacerbating injuries and fatigue.
• The Need for an Off-season: Echoing trends in global sports, the demand for a sumo off-season, integral to the sumo lifestyle, grows louder, aiming to mitigate the physical toll on wrestlers and optimize their performance.

Recent shifts towards enhancing the spectator experience, including streamlined live events and efforts to open sumo to international fans, reflect the evolving landscape of sumo wrestling in Tokyo and sumo in Japan. Yet, challenges such as the need for better medical care, underscored by the tragic in-ring death of Hibikiryu, prompt ongoing scrutiny and reform. As sumo tournaments continue to captivate, they celebrate a storied past while navigating the complexities of modernity, honoring tradition alongside embracing change.

6. Conclusion

As sumo wrestling in Japan navigates the challenges of modernity and strives to preserve its rich heritage, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Japanese sport in a rapidly changing world. The evolution of sumo, marked by reverence for tradition and adaptation to contemporary needs, underscores the importance of maintaining cultural heritage globally.

FAQs

How can I watch sumo wrestling on the internet?

Fans of the traditional sport can immerse themselves in sumo Tokyo tournaments by watching 'GRAND SUMO LIVE', which is streamed on NHK WORLD-JAPAN On Demand, bringing the excitement of the ring right to your screen.

Are sumo wrestlers allowed to get married?

Indeed, sumo wrestlers, particularly those who have climbed the sumo ranks, can get married. Their elevation within the sumo hierarchy not only brings them fame and financial prosperity but also the esteemed privilege of starting a family.

Is it possible for non-Japanese individuals to become sumo wrestlers?

The sumo wrestler Japan scene has long been a melting pot of talent, with many non-Japanese sumo wrestlers stepping into the dohyo since the late Meiji Era, which began in 1868. Their increasing presence has added a rich diversity to sport in modern times.

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