Sumo Wrestlers and Marriage: A Deep Dive
Sumo wrestlers can indeed marry and many do, forging personal lives outside their traditional and rigorous training schedules. Exploring this aspect of the sumo wrestler lifestyle provides a unique insight into their realities and challenges.
Commonality and Tradition in Sumo Marriage
Historically, many sumo wrestlers have married, aligning with cultural expectations and societal norms in Japan. This tradition reflects the community's acceptance and normalization of marriage within the wrestling world. Marriages are not just personal events but are often intertwined with the sumo lifestyle's complexities.
Sumo Culture and Expectations
Within sumo culture, there are specific expectations surrounding potential spouses. It is often preferred that wrestlers marry women who understand and support the demands of a sumo career. Additionally, wrestlers may seek partners who can manage household responsibilities, allowing them to fully dedicate themselves to their grueling training and competition schedules.
Financial Stability and Marital Choices
The financial aspect plays a significant role in a sumo wrestler's marital choices. Wrestlers in the top two divisions of sumo, out of the six total divisions, receive substantial salaries and bonuses, enabling them to live comfortably and outside the sumo stable. This financial stability allows them to pursue regular lives, including relationships and family.
Conversely, wrestlers in the lower four divisions only receive room and board and a small allowance, forcing them to reside at the stable. The difference in lifestyle between top and lower-tier wrestlers is stark, impacting their marital and personal choices. Most Mongolian wrestlers in the top division are married, some with multiple children, showcasing the broader acceptance and integration of marriage within the sumo community.
Success and Relationships in Sumo
Success in the sumo ring often correlates with personal relationships. Some sumo wrestlers even find a partner through their matches, creating a unique bond that extends beyond the ring. For instance, the all-time winningest Yokozuna, Hakuho, and his family represent a notable example of successful sumo wrestlers embarking on successful personal lives.
The personal relationships and marriages of sumo wrestlers are more than mere personal choices; they reflect the broader societal acceptance and the factual integration of these athletes into the fabric of Japanese society. Understanding these relationships can provide a deeper appreciation of the complexities and realities of sumo wrestling beyond the confines of the dohyo.