posted May 1, 2013, 1:31 AM by Tsubasa Kato
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updated May 1, 2013, 2:27 AM
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The Yokozuna Deliberation Council Practice 2013 We went to visit Kokugikan (Sumo Stadium) to look on a Sumo Practice attended
by all the top ranked Rikishi (sumo wrestlers), which is held for The Yokozuna
Deliberation Council. It was a very precious opportunity to watch the real
practices for fans/visitors for free. Actually, most of us (including ICT
members) had never seen "Sumo", so we paid attention all practices
for 3 hours early Saturday morning! We got the box seat (square-shaped) in the 5 rows from the front to enjoy
extra space after taking off our shoes. Thrilling Sumo practices (ex. sparring bouts) began from Makushita (junior
grade), moved to Juryo (intermediate) and Makuuchi (the upper division) in rank
order. Some
Rikishi scattered a handful of salt to purify the ring. This is further
supposed to insure him against injuries. After the grand champions (Yokozuna) entered the ring, they won applause from the audience and started their
powerful and intense trainings from 9:30am. The audience was excited to cheer
on its favorite Rikishi, and watched each hardball practice like real hotter
bouts. The most impressive thing we saw was that Yokozuna wrestled with
motivated fighters until they worked out. The large wrestlers do not necessarily have the advantage as smaller ones,
the key of winning the bouts is how to use 82 winning techniques. During training sessions, we also enjoyed seeing the suspendered roof of a stylized Shinto Shrine, framed
portraits of champions hanging from ceiling and unique Rikishi’s hair style
(mage). Luckily, we could see the more popular Sumo wrestlers going barefoot outside
up close when we were eating Chanko stew (incredibly nutritious stew eaten at
sumo stables) at Ryogoku Nigiwai Festival. Many people regret that there are no Japanese stars
in the top ranks of this traditional Japanese sport, but Sumo is still deep-rooted
popularity across generations because the venue was crowded with people who
want to watch even practices. We
guess that all of the Rikishi train very hard throughout the year especially
before each grand tournament. Carrying out strenuous training on a daily basis,
which means that to do something over and over makes one better at it, “Practice makes perfect”. (posted by Tsubasa kato) |
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