Stablemasters in the Japan Sumo Association refereeing department, “yobidashi” callers and others attend a first aid training course at the foot of the dohyo at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on May 7. (Provided by the Japan Sumo Association)
In the rough-and-tumble world of sumo, rikishi have been unable to get up on their own power after hitting their heads during recent bouts and even have suffered serious injuries.
That prompted the Japan Sumo Association to hold a closed-door first aid training course at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan for a wrestler in the event of an injury in the dohyo.
Kasugano, a JSA director and head of the association’s security headquarters, said he plans to organize more sessions in the future.