July 9, 2010
Life of a professional Sumo wrestler is not all roses
The life of a Sumo wrestler is a controlled one, much like the life in a commune. The Sumo association has its own rigid protocols and norms, which are sacrosanct and need to be followed whatever the cost. A sumo wrestler begins life as a Rikishi or novice and graduates to become a Sekitori.
A Rikishi has several levels of seniority with Sekitoris forming the top rung. Depending on the level one is in the hierarchy, life can either be very hard or reasonably simple. A Rikishi who joins the order must first grow his hair long to form a topknot. He must wear only a thin cotton robe called yukata, even in freezing temperatures. Additionally they need to wear wooden sandals called geta that are hard and very uncomfortable.
A little higher up, wrestlers in the Makushita and Sandanme divisions are allowed to wear a traditional short overcoat over their yukata and can wear straw sandals, called zori. The Sekitoris can wear silk robes of their own choice and the quality of the garb is significantly improved. They also are expected to wear a more elaborate form of topknot on formal occasions.
There is similar distinction made in every day life. The junior Rikishi has to get up at 5 in the morning to train while the Sekitori can start his practice at 7. When Sekitoris train, the Rikishis perform chores like cleaning, preparing the bath, holding out the towels for Sekitoris, etc. In fact it is hierarchy once again that decides the order of precedence in the after training bath and eating.
Interestingly Rikishis are not given any breakfast. They have a heavy lunch and then are expected to sleep. This obviously helps in the weight gain that is so necessary in this martial art form. In the afternoon, the Rikishis have to finish their chores while the Sekitoris are allowed to relax.
The Sekitoris once again have the right to go out with their sponsors while the Rikishis just stay at home. Sometimes, however a senior Rikishi may go out with a Sekitori as his manservant. Sekitoris have their own room or there own apartment, if married. A Rikishi sleeps in the dormitory. Life is tough for a young Rikishi and therefore the dropouts are high.
The same distinct divide is there in the salary structure as well. A Sekitori's salary can go up to 3000,000 yens, depending on the grade of the wrestler. Additionally, there are performance bonuses and match wins. Trainees do not earn salaries and are just given a small allowance.
The large fraternity of sumo wrestlers is quite clearly divided into the serving and the served. But this divide is by no means a discrimination. All Sekitoris were after all Rikishis once.
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