What is sumo wrestling?

Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport in which two wrestlers, known as rikishi, compete to either push their opponent out of the ring or make any part of their body, aside from the soles of their feet, touch the ground.

Six major tournaments, called bashos are held annually, each lasting 15 days. These tournaments are major cultural events, drawing large crowds and generating significant media attention.

Sumo remains a powerful symbol of Japanese identity, embodying the values of respect, discipline, perseverance, and tradition. It's a sport that bridges the ancient and the modern, preserving its rich heritage while adapting to the changing times.

What are the rules of sumo wrestling?

The objective is to force your opponent out of the circular ring (dohyo) or make them touch the ground with any part of their body other than the soles of their feet. Matches are often short and explosive, sometimes lasting only seconds. Techniques involve a combination of pushing, pulling, lifting, and throwing, utilizing both strength and agility. Strikes with open hands are allowed, but closed-fist punches, kicks, eye gouging, hair pulling, and certain other dangerous moves are prohibited.

Is sumo wrestling a religious practice?

Sumo dates back to ancient Shinto rituals performed to honor the gods and pray for a bountiful harvest. Early forms of sumo were less about competition and more about ceremonial dances and displays of strength. Over centuries, it evolved, particularly during the Edo Period (1603-1868), when it gained immense popularity amongst the samurai class, who saw it as a reflection of their martial prowess. This era saw the formalization of rules, the establishment of training stables, and the development of the ranking system, solidifying sumo's place in Japanese society.

Sumo is steeped in tradition, and many ancient Shinto rituals are still performed before each match. These include throwing of salt (symbolizing the purification of the dohyo), the symbolic stomping of the feet to ward off evil spirits, and the wrestler's pre-match warm-up exercises, all of which connect modern sumo wrestlers to their historical and spiritual heritage. Even the wrestler's attire, the austere silk mawashi (belt they wear), carries symbolic weight.

What are the ranks in sumo wrestling?

The sumo ranking system is a hierarchical structure that dictates a wrestler's status and prestige. It's divided into six divisions: Jonokuchi (lowest), Jonidan, Sandanme, Makushita, Juryo, and Makuuchi (highest). The top two divisions, Juryo and Makuuchi, are known as "Sekitori" and comprise the salaried ranks. Within Makuuchi, there are further distinctions: Maegashira, Komusubi, Sekiwake, Ozeki, and at the very pinnacle, Yokozuna. Yokozuna are considered living legends and are expected to embody the highest ideals of sumo. Advancement through the ranks is based on performance in tournaments. A wrestler who consistently wins will be promoted, while those who perform poorly may be demoted. This merit-based system creates intense competition and motivates wrestlers to strive for excellence.