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A picture of some Sekitori participating in de-geiko (Inter-stable training) |
If you thought that all Rikishi (Wrestlers) did to train was eat, you are sadly mistaken. Training for the lower ranked Rikishi (From Jonokuchi to Makushita) start training at 4:30 a.m. These Junior Rikishi warm up on the Dohyo (ring) by themselves until a Oyakata or a coach arrives. When either of the 2 arrive, they must offer a proper and respectful greeting. At about 8:00 A.M., the Sekitori (Juryo and Makkuchi) start practice. Practice lasts until about 12:00 p.m. |
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Here's some of the examples of the exercises that Rikishi do. Shiko: A stomping exercise that is great for developing hip and leg strength, which is crucial in Sumo. Most Rikishi do about 500 a day. Teppo: A pushing exercise for the arms and shoulders. This exercise is done against a large wooden pole. A rikishi faces it and strikes it with the palms of his hands. Suriashi: Another leg strengthner, is performed in a crouching position with the hands bent at the elbows. The rikishi slides his feet forward, alternating legs. Matawari: A streching exercise, where a rikishi sits on the floor with his legs as far apart as possible, and then leans forward until his stomach touches the floor. Usually they require assitance, so, another rikishi will push him down farther or hold his legs apart. Challenge Matches: These matches take place after warming up. They are just like the bouts you watch in tournaments, without the ceremonies. This is also a opportunity for lower ranked rikishi to challenge higher-ranked rikishi. Sanban-geiko: A type of stamina training where two rikishi can challenge each other for a series of matches. Butsukari-geiko: This exercise is when one rikishi runs into another and pushes him to the edge of the Dohyo. Usually, the pushee will throw the attacker down so he can practice falling properly. |
A Example of Shiko, the stomping exercise
A Example of a challenge match.
A Example of Sanban-geiko, or Stamina Training. |
