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Life On The Move
The Real Yokozuna
The 1500 year old sport of Sumo is a jewel in Japan for all. As a spectator we enjoy the all day affair that is the sumo tournament. The matches that take place all day prepare you for the final hour of intense matches culminating with the Yokozuna, highest ranking wrestler, and the final bout.
Their are six devisions that are divided into an east and west group. Both of these professional groups are topped by Mongolian rikishi or wrestlers. At the event that I attended the western yokozuna was out with injury.
Hakuhō Shō is the Eastern devision leader and current 2013 overall champion. Watching him on the dohyō or ring is an extraordinary sight. By the time the final bout comes around everyone has seen dozens of bouts from the junior to lower professional divisions. Everyone has had their fair share of sake and beer and are all quite ready for the final few bouts to commence. As in boxing, the bouts increase in ranking as the evening moves on. The last two to three matches are circled in so much energy from the crowd that you can only contribute screams and boasts of encouragement. Old lades start to stand on their seats shaking their seat cushions at their hopeful and screaming for them to “go for it” and “not give up” ever ready to throw them if he looses. As the rikishi move trough the delicate ritual the crowd gears up even more. As the contenders move into position and finally take the starting stance they lunge at each other with incredible force. The first one to have any part of their body fall to the ground other than the soles of their feet or any part lands out side of the dohyō they loose. As this happens the entire area explodes with cheers and enthusiasm.
The intensity of this event can really only be fully understood by going and experiencing first hand. The history that encompasses you as you watch what has taken place for hundreds of years washes over you and you momentarily for get it is 2014.
