It has been cloudy morning, which could not dilute the enthusiasm at Kokugikan, Ryogoku; fans waiting for beloved Sumo wrestlers for the current season of Sumo in Tokyo. The venue is flooded with foreigners having curiosity about the national Sports of Japan, which claims its origin 1500 yrs back. Flags carrying names of renowned players, catching ur eyes, proves that this form of sport has been great success to maintain the charm for centuries.
Almost 800 professional wresterls/sumos all over the Japan, fights 6 tournaments a year, 3 in Tokyo, one each at Osaka, Nagoya and Kyushu. Each tournament last fifteen days, everyday every Sumo got to fight a new opponent. The Sumo with Maximum wins gets Emperors Trophy.
This game is to get opponent out of the ring of the around diameter 4.55 mtr ring or by making him touch the ground. The actual bouts which may be finished in instants, is always supplemented by Stamping the ring, throwing the salt and waving hands to audience; this things necessarily finds its origin in Shintoism,- Japans` Indigenous religion.
The day starts with a tradition of Bow Dance, followed by matches amongst Trainee Sumos- Preliminary Bouts. The real bout starts with minnows-Junior Rankers starting with Jonokuchi to Makushita.
Around 14:35 brings you the excitement as senior group is on their role. Momentum builds up are matches becomes thrilling with Maegashira (Lowest of the Senior Group) getting on center stage, followed by matches of higher and higher ranks. And the climax is match of Yokozuna-Grand Champion, which comes as icing on cake, and an ideal finish.
Ranks of Sumos are revised after every tournament. Sumos may get promotion as well as demotion. But the Yokozuna remains unaffected because of a bad season or two. But its definitely acceptable, considering how tough it is to become a Yokozuna, its matter of fact that, since 300 yrs of such official ranking, there have been only 68 Yokozuna so far. Asashoryu being the current Grand Champion of the Ring, for the time.
I really admire the authorities, for maintaining the Charm, since Nara era.
It has been changing the form to suit peoples` rapidly changing tastes. And also it has maintained its Traditional touch which makes it special for Japanese Friends.
What I have been great fan here-the land of creativity and excellence is- they have such great degree of professionalism, which in deed helps them to make a self sustainable system. Many players being supported by Sponsors, Flag bearers carrying names of Sponsors` name makes it possible for Sumo to make for their living cost and huge food cost, which they need to feed for around 150 kg body, and rigorous training. Souvenirs carrying images of Yokozuna and other famous wrestlers also adds cash flow in this game. Renting Radio service for live commentary in English generates additional cash strip to supplement costly tickets which starts at 3600yen.
Truly Must see atleast Once kind of activity in Japan. Its not a game driven by Body weight.. one got to have gr8 Presence of mind, keen fighting spirit, high alertness and high reflexes to master this sport- Hats of for Sumos!
You can always get for latest info on:
www.sumo.or.jp
