Sumo violence threatens to finish the sport

The recent the death of a 17-year-old wrestler in a Sumo stable has forced the dismissal of stablemaster Tokitsukaze. The severe training methods of Sumo stables, especialy the beating and abuse aimed at begginers ("kiai-ire" - instilling spirit) have cost the life of a young Sumo trainee and cast light on the ancient training methods. The police invastigation implicates number of stables and will further limit the small number of young trainees and the popularity of oneof the most ancient martial sports. image Link to The Yomiuri Shimbun
07/10/2007