In the world of sumo, the word “kawaigari” does not mean gentle affection as in daily life. Instead, it refers to rigorous training where seniors discipline juniors with strict love. For beginners and foreign fans, this can be easily misunderstood as bullying, but by learning its true meaning, one can discover the deep cultural values and traditions of Japanese sumo.
The Basic Meaning of Kawaigari
Kawaigari refers to special training imposed by seniors on juniors within a sumo stable. While the word sounds soft and affectionate, in practice it means physically and mentally exhausting drills that push a wrestler to his limits.
It is easier to understand when contrasted with the general meaning of kawaigaru.
| Term | General meaning | Meaning in sumo |
|---|---|---|
| Kawaigaru | To cherish with affection | To protect gently and raise |
| Kawaigari | To discipline strictly | Training to develop winning strength |
The true essence of “kawaigari” lies in the strictness hidden behind the surface of affection.
The Purpose of Kawaigari
Kawaigari is not merely a physical ordeal but a way to help a wrestler grow comprehensively.
| Purpose | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Strengthening | Repeated practice builds stamina and explosive power |
| Mental Growth | Enduring hardship strengthens perseverance |
| Etiquette and Discipline | Hierarchical relations teach manners and respect |
| Developing Match Instincts | Simulating real bouts sharpens adaptability |
Thus, kawaigari plays a vital role in fostering both body and spirit.
Methods and Features of Kawaigari
Compared to ordinary practice, kawaigari is far more intense, often involving dozens of repetitions of the same move.
Examples include:
| Training method | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Consecutive tachiai (initial clashes) | Builds endurance to stand up repeatedly, even when exhausted |
| Taking repeated throws | Strengthens breakfall skills and durability |
| Pushing back at the ring’s edge | Trains decisive footwork at critical moments |
| Repeated body-slamming drills | Develops toughness and offensive strength |
Through such practice, wrestlers gain practical skills for the ring. The mental strength forged in an environment with no escape becomes a powerful weapon in real matches.
How Foreigners View Kawaigari
For foreigners, kawaigari can easily be misunderstood. It is often wrongly equated with “bullying” or “hazing”, but in sumo, it carries the nuance of “strict training with affection”.
| Expression | Nuance for foreigners |
|---|---|
| Bullying | Misunderstood as mere violence |
| Hazing | Associated with harmful initiation rituals |
| Tough love training | Best conveys strictness combined with nurturing intent |
When explaining to foreigners, it is appropriate to emphasize that kawaigari is a traditional training method designed to strengthen wrestlers, not simple abuse.
Kawaigari in the Modern Era and Its Challenges
In the past, excessive kawaigari led to accidents and scandals, damaging the reputation of sumo. As a result, the sumo world is now making efforts to clearly distinguish between violence and proper instruction.
| Past | Present |
|---|---|
| Overly harsh training with risk of injury | Conducted with safety in mind |
| Elements resembling corporal punishment | Limited strictly to guidance |
| Problems handled internally and secretly | Rules established with external oversight |
Through these reforms, kawaigari is evolving into a form that preserves tradition while remaining socially acceptable.
Cultural Background of Kawaigari
Kawaigari is not only a training method but also an expression of values deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Historically, Japan has emphasized mentor–disciple relationships and the bond between seniors and juniors. The belief that “enduring strict discipline leads to growth” has long influenced many traditional arts and martial practices.
In sumo, overcoming severe training has been a source of pride for wrestlers, giving them confidence for future bouts. Those who endured kawaigari often later became seniors themselves, passing on the same rigorous methods to the next generation. In this way, the tradition has been handed down across generations.
Conclusion
Kawaigari in sumo refers to rigorous training imposed on junior wrestlers by their seniors. Unlike the everyday sense of kawaigaru, it focuses on pushing wrestlers to their physical and mental limits in order to foster growth. While easily misunderstood by foreigners and beginners, its true background reflects a Japanese value system where “strictness and affection coexist”.
In today’s sumo, reforms aim to maintain its original purpose while eliminating abusive practices. Thus, kawaigari continues to stand as a tradition that supports the strength of sumo wrestlers and the cultural foundation of the sport.
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