Sixteen ninth-term academy students at JFA Fukushima participated in the annual Sumo wrestling apprentice event from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 February at Takanohana, Kasugano, Dewanoumi, Takasago and Chiganoura Sumo stables. During this three-day event, the students of the academy stayed under the same roof as the Sumo wrestlers and experienced the traditional wrestling practices at the Sumo stables and the ‘Chanko’ or the Japanese stew commonly eaten by the Sumo wrestlers as a part of weight-gain diet. 

This workshop started in 2008 and marked its 8th year in cooperation with the Public Interest Incorporated Association of the Japan Sumo Association.

On 12 Sunday, JFA President TASHIMA Kohzo visited the Chiganoura stable and observed their morning practice session, where the academy students demonstrated some of the traditional Sumo leg movements—raising, stomping, stretching and sliding—all of which were done properly in the traditional style. Looking a bit fatigue at times, the stable master encouraged the academy students ‘to bend at the waist’. Furthermore, they observed carefully the ‘head-to-head’ training by the Sumo wrestlers, known as ‘Butsukari Keiko’, and they were impressed by the strong impact of those hits. At the end of the practice, they also participated in the ‘Butsukari Keiko’ and ‘borrowed the chest (the expression used in Sumo wrestling when one practices with someone with a higher rank or skill)’ of Sumo wrestler Masutenryu.

After the visit, JFA President Tashima commented that “we are learning the culture of Japan and the tradition of Sumo wrestling. The practice format and the importance of the fundamentals are all being formed by the long history and tradition of the Sumo wrestling. I came to realize again the true meaning of culture in Sumo wrestling. By observing their practice, I sincerely wish the academy students will learn many things from this event including Sumo wrestlers’ serious attitude towards practice.”

After the three-day practice, three participants all commented that ‘the training was very tough’. However, they also showed a sign of relief after they were encouraged by the stable master and the Sumo wrestlers.

JFA Academy Fukushima ninth-term Students’ Comments

MF HASHIDA Naoki
I realised that the Sumo wrestlers are always practising at full strength. I learned the importance of having a strong mentality to go through tough training.

DF/MF KATO Hijiri
Training was tough. I found out how hard they were hitting each other in practice. Their work ethics especially their unyielding battles during practice are something I want to incorporate in my daily training as well.

FW MUKAI Hinata
Sumo wrestlers demonstrated their strong will to excel. They had a completely different look during practice sessions. I was also impressed with the flexibility of their bodies. I came to realise that each movement including when they are entangled is important.