A Heavyweight's Dream: The Rise of a 15-Year-Old British Sumo Wrestler in Japan
Japanese Sumo League welcomes teenage prodigy from Britain as new recruit
Chasing a dream often requires some serious sacrifices, and 15-year-old Nicholas Tarasenko from Hull, UK, is no exception. With his eyes set on becoming a successful sumo wrestler, he's prepared to battle with discipline, dedication, and 7,000 calories a day.
Thanks to a prestigious scholarship, Tarasenko will hone his wrestling skills alongside ten other ambitious hopefuls at a top-tier academy in Japan. The British press, such as The Sun, reports on his journey.
His dream come true may mean butting heads with strict training schedules, little contact with loved ones, and a special Japanese soup meal, known as Chankonabe, that's a part of his daily 7,000-calorie feast.
Inspired by His Father, The Love for Sumo Blossoms
Tarasenko's passion for sumo was sparked by his father, Georgi Zilkin. Zilkin, an owner of a karaoke bar, introduced his son to a successful sumo wrestler during a trip to his home country, Estonia. This encounter began young Tarasenko's journey to become a sumo wrestler.
Hailing from a lineage of high-ranking sumo masters, Zilkin connected Tarasenko to a Japanese wrestler who hosts an annual tournament. What started as a casual competition for Tarasenko soon turned into a lifelong dedication to the sport.
Sumo wrestling, a traditional Japanese form of wrestling and the country's national sport, consists of two competitors called sumotori or rikishi, who battle in an elevated ring, known as a dohyo. These contests can last mere seconds, as the wrestlers muster a remarkable amount of force and technique while maintaining balance and strategizing to outwit their opponent.
A Day in the Life of a Sumo Wrestler in Training
The world of sumo wrestlers differs from other professional wrestling circles in its unique traditions and practices. Unlike other sports, in sumo, there are no weight classes. Sumo wrestlers, on average, weigh about 160 kilograms, though some reach close to 300 kilograms.
A crucial aspect of sumo wrestling is its spiritual significance, with rituals such as purification, meditation, and bowing playing a role in the fight. The objective is to force the opponent out of the ring or to make them lose their balance, touching the ground with a body part other than their feet.
Sumo wrestlers live in communal training facilities known as "stables" or "heya", where their daily life is highly regimented. The typical day consists of:
- Training: Morning training sessions comprise rigorous exercises like running, weightlifting, and sumo-specific techniques like throwing and grappling. These grueling workouts continue for several hours each day.
- Diet and Nutrition: A sumo wrestler's diet emphasizes carbohydrates and proteins, often in monumental quantities. The mainstay food of a sumo wrestler's diet is Chankonabe, a hearty stew made with vegetables, seafood, and meat.
- Social Life: Adhering to strict rules regarding dress, etiquette, and social interaction, wrestlers maintain reverence and respect for traditional customs. Downtime activities are usually reading, meditation, or watching movies within the stable.
Sources: ntv.de, akr
- Japan
- United Kingdom
Interesting Fact
Recent data suggests that foreign-born wrestlers accounted for about seven percent of the 613 active professional sumo wrestlers in Japan as of 2013. While the number of British sumo wrestlers trained in Japan is not publicly documented, the popularity and cultural significance of sumo wrestling in Japan have attracted wrestlers from various countries worldwide.
The Commission has also shown interest in the growing number of foreign-born sumo wrestlers in Japan, as sports like sumo continue to attract wrestlers from across the globe, including the UK.
Given the unique traditions and practices surrounding sumo wrestling, young athletes like Nicholas Tarasenko from the UK are immersing themselves in the spiritual rhythm of sumo, not just as physical competitors, but as students of ancient Japanese culture as well.
