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Tsukebito

What is Tsukebito?‍

A tsukebito is an apprentice or personal attendant to a higher-ranking sumo wrestler, typically a sekitori (a wrestler in the top two divisions: makuuchi and jūryō). The role of a tsukebito involves various duties aimed at supporting the daily life and training of the senior wrestler. These duties can include:

  1. Assisting with Training: Helping the senior wrestler during practice sessions.
  2. Household Chores: Performing tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry.
  3. Personal Assistance: Helping the senior wrestler dress, especially in traditional attire like the mawashi (sumo belt) and kimono.
  4. Running Errands: Taking care of any errands or tasks outside the sumo stable (heya).
  5. Support During Tournaments: Assisting the senior wrestler during sumo tournaments, including preparing their gear and providing moral support.

The role of a tsukebito is an important part of the hierarchical structure within a sumo stable, and it provides younger or lower-ranking wrestlers with the opportunity to learn from their seniors and understand the discipline and lifestyle required to succeed in sumo wrestling.

Related Article: Sumo Wrestling: The Traditional Japanese Combat Sport

I realized that perseverence and step-by-step progress are the only ways to reach a goal along a chosen path.
Mas Oyama

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