Sumo Today

[Dotanuki]

After our Sumo quiz, I found this article interesting.

http://nytimes.com/2007/10/19/world/asia/19sumo.html?_r=2

In today's world, you have got to wonder if anything sacred anymore, and have the old traditions gone out the window? :-< =(

[Mako]

The 17-year-old, Takashi Saito, died after being hit on the head with a bottle by his master and struck with a metal bat by wrestlers during practice.

“When it comes to tradition, there invariably comes a time to re-examine things,” he said. “And I think the time has now come for the world of sumo.”

I think it's safe to say that hitting someone on the head with a metal bat isn't traditional in any recognised sport...is it? :-O

[bobO]

I see your not from Brooklyn. A year ago I would have gone on and on about this. But now that I'm "bucket cutter", I'll just hang my head and shed a silent tear.

[Mako]

I see your not from Brooklyn.
=)) Nah...I'm from the land of Celts where men are men and women are glad of it. :>

[bobO]

=)) Nah...I'm from the land of Celts where men are men and women are glad of it. :>
And the sheep are nervous!:-O Really I envy you. You live in a beautiful land.

[Dotanuki]

Ah, newsreporting and sensationalizing!

What kind of bottle was he hit in the head with?
A plastic water bottle?
A glass Sake bottle?
An empty beer bottle?

And it does'nt say he was was hit in the head with a metal bat, only that he was hit with a metal bat during training.
Training for Sumo is probably the most ardous and painfull training there is.

Here is a good topic for us;
When does hard training become hazing?
Some people today, consider hard training hazing!
What is considered hazing? As opposed to hard training?

[goose710]

Dotanuki
I'd like to wade in to this thread at this most interesting moment.
Hard training is just that, as long as the goal is to Teach,toughen,and protect. It should be done with caution, forethought, and pateince. and should bring no happiness to the teacher( other than seeing pupil succeed and overcome whatever fear, shortcoming, or inadiqucy he /she has)
Anger is a great motivator!!!! .
Having been an avid bicycle long distane rider, my training partners have as we all do had bad days, due to work/relationship/ and stress issues, at that time i'd push them to bring back their focus to the bike. we would always go for the most intense work out we could, pushing each other to our limits, (and here i make a point) without being brutal!!! key word, with out being brutal. when the pain, wheariness, or just hitting the wall seem too much to bear, a training partner can bring you out of your funk and make the day , and you will exceed your preceived limits !
Da Gooseman

[bobO]

Good points Goose. I think in the Dojo or kwoon, first and foremost you have to have trust. This free's the mind and lets you get down to it. Anything done mean spirited should have no place in the school. I've been in places where I thought the workout was gonna kill me and loving it, and in places where i felt like I was paying these guys to just kick my as#.