The Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo is currently underway and approaching an exciting conclusion. But did you know that before each tournament in Tokyo, there is a special joint training session held to give us insight into the condition of each wrestler?
This session, known as the “keiko soken” or group observation of training, is organized by the Japan Sumo Association’s Yokozuna Deliberation Council. The council consists of notable individuals from outside the sumo world and serves as an advisory body. The keiko soken takes place at Ryogoku Kokugikan arena prior to each of the three Tokyo grand tournaments.
Typically, a practice ring within the Kokugikan building is used for this session. However, once a year, it is conducted on the main ring used for the tournament and opened up to the public free of charge.
The Yokozuna Deliberation Council’s main purpose is to discuss recommendations on promotion to yokozuna (the highest rank in sumo) and other related issues. It comprises approximately 10 members from various fields such as academia, media, and finance.
The joint training provides council members with a glimpse into how well-prepared top wrestlers are heading into the first day of a grand tournament. During this training, makuuchi-division wrestlers (the highest-ranked wrestlers) engage in “moshiai,” which can be described as a “king of the hill” style competition where they stay in the ring against opponents until they are defeated. It’s common for yokozuna and ozeki wrestlers to choose opponents they are likely to face in upcoming tournaments so they can study their sumo style.
In addition to assessing their opponents’ styles, this joint training also offers insights into how wrestlers plan to fight during tournaments and their overall physical condition after recovering from injuries. This makes it an invaluable resource for understanding what lies ahead in upcoming tournaments.
One memorable example was during 2003’s New Year’s Grand Tournament when Yokozuna Takanohana was nursing a right knee injury. There were concerns about whether he would participate in the tourney or not. Although he appeared at joint training, he only performed foot stomping exercises without engaging in any bouts or responding to reporters’ questions. Ultimately, Takanohana participated but his performance was far below his usual powerful self; he decided to retire before completing that tournament. His actions during joint training had given strong indications about what was coming.
Alongside council members from Yokozuna Deliberation Councils are stablemasters who serve as executives within Japan Sumo Association; they also attend these joint trainings sessions alongside wrestlers themselves ensuring that no one becomes complacent since it holds great importance for them all.
