The Life of a Retired Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers enter training stables, or beyas, as young teens and dedicate their lives to the sport until they retire. Training involves incredible food intake, heavy beer consumption as a means of weight gain and daily full-contact sparring. Along with the health impacts, most wrestlers leave the sport with little education and less money. In this VICE Sports exclusive, we visit with two retired rikishis to get their take on life after sumo.

[junkobash]

I just searched and this driver guy, the former sumo wrestler passed away in Dec 2020 from sepsis... Oh man RIP

[marcleon]

The thing I admire about these two men is that they went for their dream. 98% of the people fall in line and never go for their true dream.

[gaunhlet]

It's not an end. It's a shift, a change in momentum. WISE WORDS.

[aszechy]

6 months ago, I was in bed with Covid with a lot of time on my hands, and due to the mysterious ways of the Youtube algorithm, I was presented with this. I had no prior interest in Sumo (I haven't actually watched much of any sport before) and as a 40 year old woman from Europe, I am hardly the target demographic... But one click led to another, and here I am, a proper fan, watching every day of the tournaments as well as historic footage, soaking up japanese vocabulary, and having a wonderful time. To anyone just happening upon this video by chance, I whole-heartedly recommend taking a closer look at this wonderful sport.

[keselekbakiak]

People are elways enchanted by the glorious tale of a winner, sadly they never pay attention to the tale of failed ones.

[rudeboy]

Some info about these guys:

Suzuki Yuichi also known by his ring name Iwatefuji reached the second highest division "Juryo" (The top 70) and stayed there for almost 3 years.

Matsumoto Katsushi also known as Takamaru reached the third highest division "Makushita".

Note: Once a wrestler is promoted to Juryo, he is considered a professional (sekitori) with significant salary and privileges. A wrestler ranked at makushita or lower is expected to carry out chores for the stable and any sekitori within it, whereas the jūryō wrestler will be served upon.

[kevmoful]

I was stationed in Japan for 2 years 07-09 and had the privilege of watching a few tournaments. It is really a thing to behold . No show boating no taunting just explosive violence . It’s pretty awesome And chankonabe is pretty good to

[kwando]

My brain: study
Me: The life of a retired sumo wrestler

[mahendraryaw]

at least they tried something. most of us just accept "fate" it is what it is...

[illuzeweb]

Even when out of the limelight they still are humble and ok with the different career path.

[robertkidnley]

As a American sumo enthusiast thank you sir for what you sacrificed even if I couldn't watch you you are a difference breed you are warrior in a society that values you in my society we dokt value anything you and ones like you keep you're culture alive

[JasminLeblanc]

Now I want a gritty movie that takes place In tokyo about a washed up sumo wrestler in his late 40s just doing a menial job. He gets into a kerfuffle with Yakuzas because of random chance.
Now his life is on the line, maybe his daughter gets captured, but using his massive size and knowledge of wrestling, he fights his way to the top of the underground gang of Yakuza.

[anchor]

I like that even though they couldn't become sumo wrestlers they found careers they could still at least enjoy. The story of the sumo wrestler who opened a restaurant was amazing.

[frosttube]

I love the quote, When he failed, just change the path.

[sethallison]

Skip breakfast, eat a huge lunch and drink beer mid day. As an American this is my average daily diet.

[renge]

Definitely a bit of a downer after CHANKONABE

[blackbinauralbeats]

I am loving how they are finding joy from their lost. It is helping me. Thank you

[rexfoster]

Great illustration of the strength of Japanese Culture. After years of hard work and falling short of his dream, he choses a new path and wants to be the best he can be at that and continue to make a contribution to his community. Mindset of a Champion!!! Wish both of you gentlemen well!

[eantropix]

"...competitors have a life expectancy of 10 years less, than the average Japanese citizen"
Wow, from 90 years to 80, truly a devastating lifestyle

[dragma]

I'm reminded of the quote regarding the Japanese people from "The Last Samurai": "They are an intriguing people. From the moment they wake up they devote themselves to the perfection of whatever they pursue." Westerners believe in progress and change but Japan seems to have mastery of living in the moment, accepting things as they are.