Combat pit official logo black
Back to Glossary
Home
Search
Martial Arts Culture and History
Gear and Equipment
Personalities
Skill Development
Mind and Body Connection
Weapons and Traditional Tools
Martial arts map
Complete blog posts directory
Contact

Basho

What is Basho?

In sumo wrestling, a "basho" refers to a professional sumo tournament. There are six major sumo tournaments held annually in Japan, and each one is known as a "basho." These tournaments are highly significant events in the sumo calendar and attract considerable attention from fans and the media.

The six major basho are:

  1. Hatsu Basho (January) - Held in Tokyo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
  2. Haru Basho (March) - Held in Osaka.
  3. Natsu Basho (May) - Held in Tokyo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
  4. Nagoya Basho (July) - Held in Nagoya.
  5. Aki Basho (September) - Held in Tokyo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
  6. Kyushu Basho (November) - Held in Fukuoka.

Each basho lasts for 15 days, during which wrestlers compete daily. The wrestler with the best record at the end of the tournament is declared the winner and may receive various prizes and accolades. The results of these tournaments are crucial for the ranking and career progression of the sumo wrestlers.

Related Article: Sumo Wrestling: The Traditional Japanese Combat Sport

The secret principle of martial arts is not vanquishing the attacker, but resolving to avoid an encounter before its occurrence. To become an object of an attack is an indication that there was an opening in one's guard, and the important thing is to be on guard at all times.
Gichin Funakoshi

Check out the latest blogs

See all articles

Other Glossary terms

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Centerline Theory
Centerline Theory is a fundamental concept in Wing Chun, as well as in other martial arts, that emphasizes the importance of controlling the central axis of the body during combat.
C
Sun Style
Sun Style is one of the five major styles of Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), known for its unique combination of Tai Chi, Xingyiquan, and Baguazhang elements.
S
Striking
Striking in the context of martial arts and combat sports refers to the use of various techniques to hit an opponent using different parts of the body.
S
Wing Chun Stance
The Wing Chun stance, also known as "Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma" or "Character Two Adduction Stance," is a fundamental aspect of Wing Chun Kung Fu.
W
Feints
Feints are deceptive maneuvers used in various sports and martial arts to mislead an opponent and create openings for effective attacks.
F
Kesho-mawashi
Kesho-mawashi is a ceremonial apron worn by sumo wrestlers during specific formal occasions, such as the ring-entering ceremony (dohyō-iri) that takes place before official matches.
K
Kenjutsu
Kenjutsu is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on the techniques of swordsmanship.
K
Kyū
In the context of Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery, Kyū (級) refers to the ranking system used to measure the proficiency and skill level of practitioners.
K
Wai Kru Ram Muay
Wai Kru Ram Muay is a traditional pre-fight ritual performed by Muay Thai fighters. It is a form of respect and homage to their trainers, ancestors, and the sport itself.
W
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting techniques.
B
Kyudo
Kyudo is the Japanese martial art of archery, which translates to "the way of the bow." It is deeply rooted in the traditions of Japanese culture and combines physical, mental, and spiritual elements.
K
Suri-ashi
Suri-ashi is a fundamental footwork technique used in various Japanese martial arts, including Kendo, Iaido, and Aikido. The term "suri-ashi" translates to "sliding feet" or "gliding step."
S
Grappling
Grappling is a term used in martial arts and combat sports to describe techniques that involve manipulating an opponent through holds, locks, throws, and ground control, rather than striking.
G
Chikara-Mizu
Chikara-mizu, which translates to "power water," is a ritual practice in sumo wrestling that involves wrestlers rinsing their mouths with water before entering the ring for a match.
C
Shaolin Kung Fu
Shaolin Kung Fu, also known as Shaolin Wushu, is a traditional Chinese martial art that originated from the Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province, China.
S
No Items Found