Topic: Sumo

Topic: Sumo.

Sport Overview

Sumo wrestlers attempt to throw their opponent either out of the ring or off balance so that he has to touch the ground with some other part of the body than his feet. Many matches last no longer than a few seconds, but the techniques, tactics, and rituals are endlessly fascinating to millions. Sumo originated in China in the 3rd century BCE, and was practiced almost exclusively in Japan until the 20th century, when its popularity spread worldwide.

Need to Know

Wrestlers are known formally as sumotoris, informally as rikishi. From the first bout in Japan in 453 CE until the 1990s, sumo wrestling was a men-only sport, but the International Sumo Federation (IFS) now actively encourages female participation. The elaborate ceremonies surrounding a sumo contest are derived from Shinto religious practices: the prefight sprinkling of salt on the dohyo, for example, is to ward off

evil spirits.


Combat Zone

Sumo bouts are played on a dohyo, a raised square platform within which a circular combat area is marked. The area is regarded as sacred to the spirits of the Shinto religion. A new dohyo is built for every major tournament. The edges of the circle are sprinkled with sand to help the referee see when a wrestler touches the perimeter.

Sumo Styles

There are two main styles of sumo wrestling: oshi-zumo and yotsu-zumo. In the former, also known as “fighting apart,” the aim is to push the opponent out of the ring, often by using his own weight to his disadvantage. In yotsu-zumo, the objective is to get ahold of the opponent’s belt, and then carry him out or throw him down. Specific techniques are shown below.