Getting to grips with sumo

Getting to grips with sumo

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The sound of bodies slapping against each other rocks the stifling sumo "stable" in the central Japanese city of Nagoya, as 11 gigantic wrestlers wearing only loincloths take turns throwing each other out of a ring of sand.

. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

The wrestlers, or 'rikishi', at the prestigious Tomozuna stable spend more than three hours each morning practising holds in Japan's 15-century-old national sport, with defeat facing the first to fall or be forced out of the ring.

With rare permission granted by sumo's governing body, Reuters was able to observe the stable's wrestlers training at their temporary Buddhist temple base for the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament that kicked off last week, gaining insight into the intricacies of sumo.

. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

Entering the world of sumo is to eat, live, and breathe Japanese - from the samurai-style topknots to the rigid hierarchy.

. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

But the tough training and tradition-bound ways have put off many local youth from the sport, leaving sumo to be dominated by foreign – mainly Mongolian – wrestlers, who face a gruelling path to assimilation.

"Language was the biggest source of stress," said Tomozuna Oyakata, better known by his fighting name Kyokutenho, the first Mongolian-born wrestler to lead a sumo stable.

"I couldn't understand anything when I was being scolded, or even when I was being praised," said the master, one of the first six Mongolians to be inducted into the sport in 1992.

. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

Today, the one-time champion, who was born Nyamjavyn Tsevegnyam, speaks near-flawless Japanese, has a Japanese wife, and has given up his Mongolian nationality to become Japanese - a requirement to become a sumo master, or 'oyakata'.

. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

After ending practice at 10:30 a.m., the wrestlers mingle with fans, sign autographs and pose for photos before the first of their two daily meals.

Lunch, prepared by the junior wrestlers, is a spread of pig's feet, grilled and deep-fried sardines, steamed rice, and 'chanko nabe' - a signature hot-pot dish associated with sumo wrestlers, who are said to consume 8,000 calories a day.

. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

To maintain their heft, the wrestlers nap for several hours immediately after eating, wearing masks to aid breathing.

. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

Full assimilation into Japanese culture means that foreign wrestlers face no ill-will.

"We wear our topknots, kimonos and sandals, and live by Japanese rules, and the rules of sumo," said Tomozuna Oyakata. "It's only by chance that we were born a different nationality."

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Slideshow

Kainishiki returns to training at Ganjoji Yakushido temple.
. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

Kainishiki returns to training at Ganjoji Yakushido temple.

Brazilian-born Kaisei (left), and Mongolian-born Kyokushuho tape up during training session.
. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

Brazilian-born Kaisei (left), and Mongolian-born Kyokushuho tape up during training session.

Kaiho takes part in a training session.
. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

Kaiho takes part in a training session.

Kaiho reacts during a training session.
. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

Kaiho reacts during a training session.

Kaiho stands on a sumo ring as he prepares for a training session.
. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

Kaiho stands on a sumo ring as he prepares for a training session.

Kyokutaisei uses his smart phone during a break in his private compartment.
. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

Kyokutaisei uses his smart phone during a break in his private compartment.

Sumo wrestlers take a nap.
. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

Sumo wrestlers take a nap.

Kyokushuho has his hair fixed after a training session.
. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

Kyokushuho has his hair fixed after a training session.

Kyokutaisei, Mongolian-born Kyokushuho, Brazilian-born Kaisei and Asahisho, prepare to leave the Ganjoji Yakushido temple for a dinner being hosted for them.
. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

Kyokutaisei, Mongolian-born Kyokushuho, Brazilian-born Kaisei and Asahisho, prepare to leave the Ganjoji Yakushido temple for a dinner being hosted for them.

Kainoryu plays with kindergarten children at Ganjoji Yakushido temple.
. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

Kainoryu plays with kindergarten children at Ganjoji Yakushido temple.

Kyokutaisei poses for a photograph with a baby after their training session.
. Nagoya, Japan. Reuters/Issei Kato

Kyokutaisei poses for a photograph with a baby after their training session.