Australia and the World Past and Present

Sumo has a 1500-year-old history.

In recent decades, the previously hermetic world of Japanese sumo has opened its doors and more wrestlers born outside of Japan have risen through the ranks.

For example, Musashimaru Kouyou was born in American Samoa.

But there is one group of nationals that has dominated sumo more than any other – the Mongolians. Asashōryū was the first yokozuna from the country, ascending to the highest rank in 2003. Other famous Mongolian wrestlers include Hakuhō and Terunofuji.

Wrestling has deep cultural roots in Mongolia. The country has its own wrestling tradition called Bökh. There is a certain cultural affinity with the sport. It is one the “three manly skills” – along with archery and horse racing. Wrestling is admired within Mongolian culture.

Mongolian children often have very physical, outdoor lifestyles. Mongolian children have a chance to foster wrestling skills. They learn early on how to improve their balance and how to use different grips. Some Mongolian wrestling techniques have even entered the sumo repertoire.

Some have suggested that geography may play a role and that Mongolia’s high altitude may breed fighters with a large lung capacity.

The psychological traits of Mongolians may help to explain how they adapt well to sumo. Competition is prized. They tend to excel under physical and mental pressure.

There are limited ways to climb the social ladder in Mongolia. Wrestling offers a pathway to economic advancement.

Entering the world of sumo gives young Mongolians a chance to move to another county, learn another language and learn about a different culture. If one can make it to the higher echelons of the sport, there is the potential to make a lot of money.

It is a world away from the steppes of Mongolia and from herding livestock.The world of sumo may appear a step up from a life of fetching water or of chopping wood.

There are now established recruitment pathways that can take a wrestler from Mongolia to Japan. There are local and national competitions. Japanese scouts travel to competitions in Mongolia or make connections with Mongolian coaches.

Mongolian champions have become role models for youngsters. Past or current champions mentor new wrestlers, and help them to transition to Japanese culture.

There are around 50 sumo training stables in japan.

The number of youngsters in Japan interested in a sumo career is diminishing. It is seen a difficult life. Trainees get up at 5am and attend to senior wrestlers.

Stables are only permitted to have 1 foreign wrestler. The Japanese like to preserve their traditions. That is especially the case with an art that has been around for over a millennia. Permitting foreigners to compete at all was a huge step for Sumo traditionalists. Permitting stables to have more foreign trainees or an unlimited number provokes resistance from the sumo establishment.

Mongolian wrestlers had made significant inroads into the world in sumo in recent times. There are multiple factors that help account for this. Mongolian culture praises wrestling. Physical factors and lifestyle factors have also been suggested. Young Mongolian wrestlers can now see that it is possible for them reach the highest echelon of the sport. The promise of economic and societal advancement also plays a significant factor.