British Teen's Quest: Turning Heft into Greatness as a Sumo Wrestler in Japan
Japanese Sumo Ring Welcomes New Contender: British Teenager Embarks on Traditional Japanese Path
Breaking the Stereotype: Nicholas Tarasenko, the Overweight Sportsperson Turned Sumo Wrestler
Meet Nicholas Tarasenko, a 15-year-old dreamer from the city of Hull, Britain. Standing tall at 6ft3 and tipping the scales at 19 stone, this teenager is putting the stereotype of 'overweight' to rest by aiming high in the world of sumo wrestling.
Life's New Course: Japan Bound
In Japan, Nicholas will be taking charge under the wing of a prestigious academy, accompanied by ten other sumo aspirants. The British news portal, 'The Sun', reports that his path to sumo greatness is funded by a coveted scholarship.
For the sake of this goal, Nicholas must make some tough sacrifices. His contact with friends and family will be limited, and his schedule will be rigid, comprising learning the art of cooking a unique Japanese soup known as Chankonabe, forming part of his daily 7,000-calorie diet.
Fuelled by Passion: The Genesis of Nicholas's Love for Sumo
"I've been presented with an opportunity, and I'm ready to seize it. My ambition is to climb the ranks. That's what spurs me on towards success," Nicholas shared with 'The Sun'. Becoming the second British sumo wrestler to grace Japan, Nicholas's fascination for sumo began through his father Georgi Zilkin.
His father, the proprietor of a karaoke bar, introduced him to a sumo wrestler during a trip to Estonia. Amongst sumo wrestlers, the highest rank is known as Yokozuna. It appears that Nicholas's chance encounter led him to discover his calling in sumo wrestling.
The World of Sumo: Beyond the Mat
Sumo wrestling, a traditional Japanese sport, is considered Japan's national pastime. In the contest, two wrestlers, known as sumotori or rikishi, face off in an elevated ring called a dohyo. The matches are swift, lasting mere seconds, as wrestlers employ brute force and tactical prowess to overpower their opponents.
A fascinating aspect of sumo wrestling is the absence of weight categories. Although wrestlers typically weigh around 160 kilograms, some can tip the scales close to 300 kilograms. Moreover, the sport is steeped in rituals with profound spiritual significance that form an integral part of the bout.
The objective is to force the opponent out of the ring or to balance them in such a way that they touch the ground with something other than their feet.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Nicholas's journey to Japan is a rare chance for a British teen to enter the realm of sumo wrestling. Scholarships such as these provide him with the backing he needs to learn from seasoned sumo wrestlers and coaches. This venture will not only aid Nicholas's growth as an athlete but also offer him insight into Japan's rich cultural tapestry.
As Nicholas embarks on this unique blend of physical challenges and cultural exposure, there's no telling how far this British teen can go in the world of sumo wrestling.
The Commission has also expressed interest in Nicholas Tarasenko's extraordinary achievement in sports, as he aims to become the second British sumo wrestler to achieve high ranks in Japan. Following his passion for the traditional Japanese sport of sumo wrestling, Tarasenko is studying under a prestigious academy in Japan, expanding his knowledge of the unique Japanese soup, Chankonabe, essential for his 7,000-calorie diet.
