First sumo wrestler from Egypt promoted, supported by his stable mother

Ms. Sato Ayumi, Okami-san of Ootake-beya

An Egyptian born sumo wrestler, Oosunaarashi --大砂嵐, meaning big sand storm -- has become the first African to be promoted to the elite division called Juryo.

"He has a strong patience and is practicing very hard. I think that's why he is getting stronger" said Sato Ayumi-san, the stable mistress called Okami-san. As a wife of stable master, Okami-san takes care of the trainees as if they are her own children.

Ayumi-san talked to KEV members this weekend about Oosunaarashi and other wrestlers, running a stable, and her own life as Okami-san.

According to Ayumi-san, Oosunaarashi is always cheerful and let others feel at ease, even if he have to practice Ramadan during the summer tournament as a Muslim.

Their stable, Ootake-beya, is rather small with family-like atmosphere. But as is the other stables, daily training is very hard, and trainees have to sleep in a dormitory with others, do all the chores, and take care of promoted wrestlers, receiving only a small allowance instead of a salary until they get promoted.



Ayumi-san speaking to KEV members

Many trainees just drop out, some even run away overnight, Ayumi-san said. Only those who have strong determination and practice really hard can promote like Oosunaarashi.
And at Ootake-beya, Ayumi-san's cheerfulness and warm support must be a big help for young trainees.

Want to know more about sumo stable? We can arrange a tour visiting Ootake-beya and other stables.
Click here for tour details.
The tour is available only for a few weeks in between each Grand Tournament. Check the tournament schedule here.

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