Japanese Sumo Wrestling in Tokyo - Get the Skinny on This Traditional Sport

!: Japanese Sumo Wrestling in Tokyo - Get the Skinny on This Traditional Sport

Going to a Japanese sumo wrestling basho is definitely a one of a kind event. What's a basho? Basho is the special name given to each series of wrestling. If we're talking about football or soccer, we think of each season lasting for around 9 - 10 months with games every week. The world of sumo is different and you need to get your timing right if you want to catch one of these events during your stay.

When Does It Happen?

There are 6 Japanese sumo wrestling bashos per year in Japan, but only 3 of these take place in Tokyo. Each basho lasts for 2 weeks with fights taking place everyday during that 2 weeks. You can see what I mean about getting your timing right! The other locations, each hosting 1 basho per year, are Aichi in the north, Osaka in the middle of the country, and Fukuoka to the south.

Why Bother With Japanese Sumo Wrestling?

I promise you'll never forget the first time you go to see the basho in Tokyo. The whole day is a spectacle from the minute you get there to the minute you leave. Imagine getting to the station - most travel in Tokyo is made by train but that's another article - and seeing some extremely large guys, all kitted out in traditional kimono style clothing, strolling down the street apparently without a care in the world. The phrase 'bull in a china shop' springs to mind as you carefully navigate your way around them! Just kidding.... sort of.

From the flags flying outside the stadium, to the spectators outside tenaciously hanging onto their coveted spots to cheer their hero when he arrives, to the atmosphere inside the arena, this is definitely not your standard sporting event.

What Will You See At A Sumo Event?

Japanese sumo wrestling has some extremely unique and historical traditions that are all part of a sumo day out. Here's a list of some of the key elements:
Salt - You'll certainly see plenty of this being thrown around inside the ring. Why? This is to cleanse the ring and rid the area of any bad spirits that might upset the impending battle. The Stomp - A great exercise to strengthen your lower back and balance, a critical requirement in Japanese sumo wrestling. Watch the Yokozuna ceremony to see the perfect stomp in action! Ceremonial Aprons - It looks rather strange to see these big guys wearing aprons as they enter the ring, but before the final bouts at the end of the day this is exactly what happens.
Top Sumo Tips

When you're planning your trip to the basho, if you can, book your tickets in advance. This way you can be sure of the type of seat you will be given. The most expensive seats are near the ring itself but I would strongly recommend not buying these. The reason is simple. The area in front of the ring does not have any fixed seats for you to sit on! Instead, you are given an area of flooring and need to kneel, sit crossed legged, or adopt the formal 'seiza' Japanese style. Not the most comfortable position if you're not used to it.

Finally, to really get into the spirit of things, make sure you join in the shouts of 'Washoi!' for your chosen sumo wrestler as they enter the ring. When in Rome and all that.

Japanese Sumo Wrestling in Tokyo - Get the Skinny on This Traditional Sport

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Equipment For Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

!: Equipment For Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Everyone who decides to get into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu must follow the rules and have the proper equipment. This is for the safety of the fighter and of those he or she will be competing against during practice and competition.

But what do you need for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? For starters, you will need to get yourself a Gi which is the official uniform that is worn by everyone.

The correct uniform has sleeves that are not more than a fist distance up the arm from the waist so that your opponent will be able to grab you which is one way for the opponent to score a point.

Since it is prone to wear and tear, you have to buy a new one every so often. This should also be kept clean at all times and among the different colors around, try getting blue or something darker which for obvious reasons is better than white.

The only way to improve in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is to spar against your opponent. So you don't inflict any major damage, you should wear gloves and feet protectors.

You can find these online and in your neighborhood sporting goods store. These are available in both open and closed palm designs. This has to be checked by the instructor and if used in competition by the official to make sure it follows the standard of at least half inch of medium to soft foam.

A general rule for any equipment worn for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu especially the gloves is that it must never contain anything metal or plastic. You might think these are harmless but when it hits someone, it could cause a cut, scratch or something more serious.

No one wants a broke jaw so get yourself a mouth guard. Accidents do happen in the ring and one other part to protect especially for the men is the groin so wear a cap.

For the women, don't forget to put on a sports bra so if the Gi, gets loose, you don't show your breasts to everyone there.

Although this is optional except for fighters under 16 years of age, you can wear a helmet to protect your ears, eyes and forehead in the event of a frontal strike.

If you are not sparring, go and hit the heavy and throw some punches. This should weight at least a hundred pounds and measure 6 feet in height.

Aside from what you should wear during practice, a few other things you can buy to help improve your skill are a notebook and some videos. By taking down some notes and watching how other people do it, you can try and execute them during your next sparring.

All your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu equipment must be kept clean and in good condition at all times. It may cost a hundred dollars but this should last a good year or two before you have to replace it with another one.

Becoming a good Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter will take a lot of hard work and having the right equipment around is not enough to do that. You have to devote your time and effort to developing your skill because your opponent will be doing the same thing. Who wants it more will determine who wins or losing during competition.

Equipment For Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

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