Miyazaki, Dec 06 (News On Japan) –
Armwrestling, sometimes called “tabletop martial arts,” has gained prominence by way of a novel household in Miyagi Prefecture. This household—a father, mom, and daughter—are collectively aiming for international armwrestling competitions.
In Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, lies an ordinary-looking home that doubles as a coaching dojo for armwrestling lovers. Among its members are previous world champions who practice rigorously. Within this surroundings, one household has set its sights on the worldwide stage.
The father, Toru, 46, a truck driver, is a runner-up within the Masters class on the 2022 All-Japan Championship. The mom, Sanae, 45, works as a care supervisor and in addition earned second place within the National Sports Festival. The daughter, Aoi, 17, a second-year highschool pupil in Sendai, is quickly gaining power. She secured first place within the Junior Division of the All-Japan Championship this July, marking her as a nationwide champion in each right- and left-handed occasions.
Aoi started armwrestling throughout elementary college after being impressed by her father, the one licensed armwrestling coach within the prefecture. However, she began coaching significantly in her second 12 months of junior highschool, motivated by her dream to at some point defeat her mom. That aim was achieved this October at a contest in Iwate Prefecture, the place Aoi received her first match in opposition to Sanae in a right-handed bout.
“It felt incredible to finally win,” Aoi mentioned with a smile, reflecting on her victory.
The household goals to grow to be nationwide champions collectively and compete on the earth championships. Their subsequent main occasions embrace the world event in Las Vegas, USA, subsequent 12 months and the worldwide competitors in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture, the next 12 months.
While Aoi is a fierce competitor, she typically faces playful challenges in school, the place classmates provoke her to arm wrestle male college students. According to Aoi, such matches at all times finish together with her overwhelming victory, a routine her mates now anticipate.
At house, Sanae admits that her grip power typically results in accidents, reminiscent of unintentionally breaking cups or bowls whereas washing dishes. “I have to be careful,” she mentioned, laughing in regards to the unintended penalties of her coaching.
Interestingly, Toru’s gymnasium emphasizes method over brute power, avoiding conventional muscle coaching completely. Key methods embrace pulling the opponent’s arm nearer, curling the hand inward, and integrating the arm’s movement with the physique to optimize drive.
“Power isn’t everything,” Toru defined. “Technique can make all the difference in a match.”
Source: TBS