2001 Volume 9 Pages 37-49,132
At “tachiai” in professional Japanese wrestling “Sumo, ” two sumo wrestlers facing each other rise to grapple by mutual accordance of mind. This would move against the flow of objective rationalization underlying judgement in modern sport. Here is a character of Sumo that can't be entirely attributed to pure sport, but is rather an aspect of performing arts of Sumo.
Rising to grapple by mutual accordance of mind is nothing but rising in mutual agreement. It is produced by throwing their rhythm of breathing each other while coordinating their rhythm of breathing each other. Breathing in “tachiai” is not only about that of the opponent, but also about one's own. Therefore, “tachiai” integrates the antinomy between alignment and competition. Harmony that is produced through mutual coordination alone can't hold depth. When the individuality of two wrestlers is displayed perfectly by throwing their rhythm of breathing mutually, true agreement comes into existence. It is an extremely profound harmony.
“Tachiai” of Sumo would be grasped as culture which integrates two antipodal forms of relation—alignment and competition—into one mode of action.
