The third year junior high school boys at the JFA Academy Fukushima became apprentices at Sumo stables from Friday 6 February to Sunday 8 February. With the assistance of the Public Interest Incorporated Association of the Japan Sumo Association, every year the pupils at the Academy live under the same roof as the Sumo wrestlers, experiencing wrestling practice and cooking Chanko hot pot. It was the seventh time this year and 14 pupils divided into five groups to join five Sumo stables, including Takanohana, Chiganoura, Takasago, Nishikido and Dewanoumi.

On the second day, HARA Hiromi, General Secretary of the Japan Football Association, appeared at the morning practice session of the Takanohana stable in order to see the pupils at the Academy practicing with many other Sumo wrestlers. Hara noted: ‘the young generation has good experiences of Sumo. I want the Academy pupils to experience many sports, so that they can learn some tips for their lives, and of course for football.’

Players Comments

YAEGASHI Hiroto
It was my first time to see how Sumo live and it was tougher than I expected. I felt the seriousness towards Sumo wrestling from each wrestler’s breathing and expression. For ‘Shiko’ you have to plant one foot firmly on the floor until the end, using your belly and ball of the foot to balance up. I thought strengthening this balance is very useful for football when you are tackled by an opponent.

KATO Tomohiro
I was impressed with all the Sumo wrestlers, who really put themselves on the line in order to become stronger. They challenged the higher division wrestlers, which made me think I want to do the same in football.

SAKAI Tomoro
Although the wrestlers were all kind to us, telling jokes, outside the Sumo ring, they drew a clear line during the practice session. I’d like to learn that for football.