Sumo trip helps expand horizons

[thedrifter]

Sumo trip helps expand horizons
Submitted by: MCAS Iwakuni
Story Identification Number: 20031214235613
Story by Lance Cpl. Giovanni Lobello



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan(December 12, 2003) -- According to Japanese legend the existence of Japanese race was secured after winning a sumo match; sumo is an ancient sport dating back approximately 1,500 years. The first sumo matches were a form of rituals dedicated to gods with prayers for a bountiful harvest, and performed with sacred dances and dramas in presence of shrines.

After thousands of years sumo has become more than just a sport, it has now become engrained in Japanese tradition.

A group of approximately 20 Iwakuni community members traveled to Fukouka to witness this Japanese tradition.

There are six Grand Sumo tournaments held in Japan a year.

"The tournaments stop in Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya and Fukouka," said Yuji Tanaka, tour guide.

Each tournament lasts fifteen days, where each rikishi (sumo wrestler) goes up against someone new each day. After each tournament, rankings are issued based on their individual performance.

Rikishis are categorized into many various ranks. The top-five ranks ascend as Maegashira, Komusubi, Sekiwake, Ozeki and then Yokozuna. In order to become a Yokozuna, two straight tournament victories as an Ozeki must first be won. In addition he must also have demonstrated the capability of being able to win consecutively. Once chosen as a Yokozuna, demotion can never come of poor performances but rather he would be expected to retire.

"Before getting off the bus we got a brief tutorial of what to expect once we got into the building," said Brandy Goodman, IT&T attendee. "What made watching the sumo matches better was once we entered the stadium a little book was passed out explaining in detail exactly what is sumo. It helped make this experience more enjoyable."

"I have seen sumo on TV numerous times and have been wanting to witness this in person. I was really looking forward to watching the Yokozuna match," said Jeffry P. Giansanti Jr, IT&T attendee. "Even though one of them retired it was still a great match with excitement."

The rikishi's wear an oichomage style of hair after the ginko leaf, which the topknot is supposed to resemble. The higher in rank the sumo wrestler is, the better hairstyle he is allowed to have.

Sumo wrestling is performed in the middle of an 18 square foot block of clay.

Sumos are first announced by gyoji (referee), who enters the dohyo (ring) and calls out the names of the contestants. After being introduced, competitors go through series of symbolic movements to prepare themselves for the match. Water is used as a source of purity to rinse out their mouth and cleanse their body and mind.

Once that is done a stare down is then engaged until they both are mentally ready to begin, this is called shikiri (get ready). This is done by squatting into position and carefully placing their hands on individual marks. Until prepared, each contestant goes back to their corner and throws salt into the ring, which signifies purifying the ring. This tradition is supposed to prevent them from attaining any injuries during their match. At the same time that this is performed the level of excitement grows among the crowd awaiting the match to begin. Once the rikishis are ready and the crowd is excited the audience enjoys the thrills provided by the efforts of the competitors.

"It was very exciting to watch the sumo wrestlers pump themselves up and in doing so electrifying the crowd," said Giansanti. "I definitely would like to watch another sumo tournament." Giansanti added, "maybe one in Tokyo since it is a bigger city and can offer an even better experience."

For information regarding future events contact the Travel, Tours and Information office at 253-4377.



Before the last three matches of the tournament, the top six rikishis are showcased as they perform a brief ceremony. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Giovanni Lobello

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Sempers,

Roger