When a sumo wrestler decides to retire, a ceremony takes place in which key persons in his life, such as his trainer, chop off his topknot to mark the end of his career. The now-bald wrestler will no longer have any reason to fight and therefore can be sent back to training with a clear head. The cutting of the topknot is intended to remind everyone involved that the wrestler is now free from fighting spirit and should not be blamed for his defeat. A new topknot will be grown by a barber before each new season starts so as not to interrupt the wrestler's training. Key persons in a retiring wrestler's life will anoint his bald head with oil during this ceremony to express their appreciation for his years of service. They may also give him some money or other gifts as a symbol of respect. Topknots are usually made of rice straw but sometimes they are made of wool or hemp. In fact, modern wrestlers often use hair from other people to make their own topskots look more impressive. But never try this at home! Sumo wrestling is still practiced in Japan today. However, most of the wrestlers these days are either from Mongolia or Brazil. There are still several Japanese families who have been sending their sons to sumo school since ancient times.