BLOG 65 SUMO WRESTLING

BLOG 65 SUMO WRESTLING

Sumo wrestling is quite the spectator’s sport. The cultural components and sheer size of the men participating are interesting to observe. In America, wrestling has taken on popularity with the WWE as well as MMA styles of fighting. So in this Blog, let’s take a look at the history of sumo wrestling and its evolution. Earlier this month, my husband and I walked down to the pier and their was a martial arts competition taking place, and I have never really explored this activity. I have met several military and navy clients over the years who have been stationed in Japan, so I thought why not combine the two and learn more. 

Sumo wrestling comes from Japan and is their national sport. Its background is religious based, and was originally intended to entertain Shinto deities. Shinto is Japan’s major religion followed by Buddhism. As a religious based tradition, the ring is still purified with salt before competitions. The basis of the sport is to have the last man standing: whichever man exits the ring first or any part of his body other than the soles of his feet touches the ground, is the loser. There are no weight classes or restrictions in this sport, so every man is up for fair game. Thus, weight gain is part of preparation. Keep in mind, “The beginner watching his first sumo broadcast on television soon realizes that very little time is actually spent grappling. Rather, the rikishi spend most of their time performing pre-bout ceremonies steeped in Shinto tradition” (http://www.sumotalk.com/history.htm). (https://jonbarron.org/weight-management/biggest-loser#) 

How one becomes a sumo wrestler is almost a life-long process. Each wrestler belongs to a stable. The stable master manages each member and this is usually a retired wrestler with years of experience and credibility. Being a sumo wrestler is a career of classes and ranks: “There are a number of different divisions for the wrestlers, ranging from the makuuchi and juryo divisions at the top (sekitori), to makushita, sandanme, jonidan, and jonokuchi below them. Wrestlers begin receiving a salary when they become a sekitori at the rank of juryo or higher, and they also get to wear a keshomawashi, a lavishly embroidered apron-like cloth that comes down to their ankles, when they are introduced before the beginning of a tournament. More than anything, though, they get to have people around them take care of their everyday needs” (http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/virtual/sumo/sumo04.html). 

Training starts at 5am and each hour of the day is structured and scheduled. The focus is leg strengthening, core, and balance in order to keep a solid stance and low center of gravity. They eat two times per day and take naps in between practices. To summarize, “Sumo wrestlers maintain their infamously large physique with the help of chanko, a high-protein, high-starch, high-calorie diet which wrestlers consume twice daily to keep their metabolism low. According to Web-Japan.org, at around 11:00 a.m. and later at 6:00 p.m. the younger wrestlers serve the chanko which generally consists of stews, sashimi, deep-fried food and hamburger steaks. Taking long naps after meals is viewed as a training tactic that helps wrestlers achieve a bigger physical presence” (http://www.livestrong.com/article/462741-sumo-wrestler-training/). This daily grind is impressive.

There is skill and technique to this sport, not just large men trying to push each other over. I admire the cultural components and respect the training dedication. Now I’m curious of the health implications of being a sumo wrestler. Maybe that’s the follow up Blog to this one. Until next time….