Guts Pose Day

What Is Guts Pose Day?

Every April 11th is "Guts Pose Day" in Japan. On April 11, 1974, at the Nihon University Auditorium in Tokyo, challenger Guts Ishimatsu won the WBC World Lightweight title by knocking out champion Rodolfo González. A Sports Hochi reporter described the way he raised both arms in celebration as a "guts pose," and the phrase became widely known. It's a day that reminds us to express joy honestly and to encourage ourselves with a positive spirit.

How the Phrase "Guts Pose" Spread

The phrase is used everywhere today, but its spread owes much to a bowling boom and a boxing match.

• Before Guts Ishimatsu: The pose itself is old, and the phrase "guts pose" was already being used in bowling magazines during the 1972 bowling boom. It is also said to trace back to bowling alleys on U.S. military bases in the 1960s, where people called out "Nice guts!" after a strike. Guts Ishimatsu's 1974 victory is what made the phrase known nationwide.
• The meaning of "guts": The English word "guts" originally means "intestines" and by extension "courage" or "grit." "Guts pose" is a Japanese-made English term (wasei-eigo) combining it with "pose."

Sports Where the Guts Pose Is Frowned Upon

Although the guts pose has become a standard way to express joy, some sports take a dim view of it.

• Kendo: In kendo, which values courtesy, making a guts pose after scoring a point can be judged as "excessively showing off a valid strike," and the point may be revoked. This is because kendo values "zanshin"—remaining alert and ready even after striking.
• High school baseball and sumo: Viewing high school baseball as part of education, the Japan High School Baseball Federation instructs players to refrain from guts poses. In sumo, a yokozuna who made a guts pose in the ring was once officially cautioned.
• Horse racing: A jockey who makes a guts pose before crossing the finish line may be fined for not maintaining a proper riding posture.

Interesting Facts About the Guts Pose

• What it's called elsewhere: In English, it's usually called a "fist pump." "Guts pose" is wasei-eigo and may not be understood as-is outside Japan.
• A politician's guts pose: During the 1978 Liberal Democratic Party presidential election, Masayoshi Ōhira—known for disliking flashy gestures—is said to have suddenly made a guts pose after a speech, drawing a huge cheer from the crowd.
• Table tennis etiquette: In table tennis, making a guts pose while looking an opponent in the eye can earn a yellow card for bad manners.
• Many forms: Raising both arms, thrusting one fist forward, or quietly clenching a fist—the guts pose takes many forms, and some athletes adapt it to the sport and the moment.

Tips for Spending Guts Pose Day

• Make a small guts pose in your heart for today's small wins—getting up early, finishing a task, and so on
• Watch Guts Ishimatsu's fight or other great sports moments and share in the joy of victory
• Celebrate the successes of people around you as if they were your own, and offer words of praise
• Bring kendo's idea of "zanshin"—staying considerate of others even in victory—into your work

Put Your Drive to Move Forward into a Clenched Fist

April 11th is a day to remember the value of expressing joy honestly. At the same time, just as some sports discourage the guts pose, respect for one's opponent has long been valued as well. If you're feeling a little worn out in a new environment, find a small success today and quietly clench your fist. That small step can give you encouragement for your next challenge.