What happens to old sumo wrestlers?
Many former Sumo become chefs or open restaurants. Eating has been a small but unlimited pleasure throughout the rigours of their former lives. In fact many wrestlers cook well, because it is one the first lessons they must learn to become part of Sumo society. And they must eat to become stronger competitors.
Who is the oldest sumo wrestler?
Hanakaze
Though Hanakaze has never reached the top, salaried ranks, he has a number of notable longevity records. Upon the retirement of Tochitenkō in May 2011 he became the oldest active wrestler in sumo, and also simultaneously tied with Hokutōryū for longest active career as they both joined sumo in March 1986.
Who is the greatest sumo of all time?
Hakuho
Hakuho was the Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic of sumo, all in one man. He was a Yokozuna — the sport’s top rank — for 14 years; there have been only 73 ever. After winning his first tournament in 2006, he claimed the Emperor’s Cup in 45 of the 80 tournaments in which he competed.
Do sumo wrestlers smell?
It’s common to smell sumo wrestlers before seeing them . . . and not in a bad way. The hair wax used in the sport has a pungent sweet smell that is instantly recognizable. Known as bintsuke, the wax is applied daily by specialist sumo hairdressers called tokoyama.
What’s the life expectancy of a sumo wrestler?
The negative health effects of the sumo lifestyle can become apparent later in life. Sumo wrestlers have a life expectancy between 60 and 65, more than 10 years shorter than the average Japanese male, as the diet and sport take a toll on the wrestler’s body.
How tall do you have to be to be a sumo wrestler?
To turn professional, wrestlers must have completed at least nine years of compulsory education and meet minimum height and weight requirements. In 1994, the Japanese Sumo Association required that all sumo wrestlers be a minimum 173 centimeters (5.7 feet) in height.
When did the yokozuna and komusubi sumo match happen?
A sumo match (tori-kumi) between yokozuna Asashōryū (left) and komusubi Kotoshōgiku in January 2008. Sumo (相撲, sumō) is a form of competitive full-contact wrestling where a rikishi (wrestler) attempts to force his opponent out of a circular ring (dohyō) or into touching the ground with anything other than the soles of his feet.
What are the winning techniques of a sumo wrestler?
The wrestlers try to achieve this by pushing, tossing, striking and often by outwitting the opponent. The Japan Sumo Association currently distinguishes 82 kimarite (winning techniques), some of which come from judo.