Sumo (published DE, NO, DK, IT)
Like ballet, sumo wrestling is a niche among children's
sports and it is predominantly a middle class phenomenon.
Around 50.000 boys ranging from four to fourteen years
take lessons after regular school and although obesity is
not structured as part of the training programme at this
point, being heavy comes an advantage in a competition
without weight class. The boys in Hiragaya and Sagawa
sumo club train because they love the game, the idea of
belonging to a club. Acceptance, helping the weak and
gaining confidence inside as well as outside the club
walls. Pushing hard until the tears burst and the skin
goes crack is all part of the spirit. Many Japanese
parents see sumo as a school of life.
