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

Dohyo-iri

What is Dohyo-iri?

Dohyo-iri is the ring-entering ceremony performed by sumo wrestlers before official matches during a sumo tournament. This ceremony is steeped in tradition and ritual, reflecting the deep cultural and religious roots of sumo wrestling. There are different types of dohyo-iri ceremonies, depending on the rank of the wrestlers involved.

Types of Dohyo-iri

  1. Makuuchi Division Dohyo-iri:
    • Participants: Wrestlers from the top division, known as Makuuchi.
    • Procedure: Wrestlers enter the ring in two groups, representing the East and West sides. They wear their ceremonial kesho-mawashi aprons and perform a series of synchronized movements and poses. This includes clapping their hands, raising their arms, and stomping their feet to purify the ring and drive away evil spirits.
    • Gyoji: The referee, known as the gyoji, announces the names of the wrestlers as they enter the ring.
  2. Juryo Division Dohyo-iri:
    • Participants: Wrestlers from the second-highest division, known as Juryo.
    • Procedure: Similar to the Makuuchi division, but usually less elaborate. Wrestlers also wear kesho-mawashi and perform synchronized movements.
  3. Yokozuna Dohyo-iri:
    • Participants: The highest-ranked wrestlers, known as Yokozuna (grand champions).
    • Procedure: The Yokozuna dohyo-iri is more elaborate and involves specific rituals. There are two styles of Yokozuna dohyo-iri: the Shiranui style and the Unryu style. The Yokozuna is accompanied by two attendants: a tachimochi (sword-bearer) and a tsuyuharai (dew sweeper). The ceremony includes a series of symbolic movements, such as raising the arms, stomping the feet, and performing specific poses that signify strength and purity.

Significance

  • Purification: The primary purpose of the dohyo-iri is to purify the ring, known as the dohyo, and to drive away any evil spirits. This is in line with Shinto beliefs, which are deeply embedded in sumo tradition.
  • Tradition and Respect: The ceremony is a way to show respect for the sport, the audience, and the wrestlers themselves. It emphasizes the importance of ritual and decorum in sumo.
  • Visual Spectacle: Dohyo-iri adds to the pageantry and spectacle of sumo wrestling, making it not just a sport but also a cultural event that attracts spectators from around the world.

Overall, the dohyo-iri is a vital part of sumo wrestling, showcasing the sport's rich traditions and cultural heritage.

Related Article: Sumo: Pre-fight Customs and Rituals

In the martial arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation on your actions as an opportunity to improve.
Mas Oyama

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.
Dynamic Flexibility
Dynamic flexibility refers to the ability to move a joint or muscle through its full range of motion with speed and control.
D
Wu Style
Wu Style is one of the five major styles of Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), known for its unique characteristics and approach to the practice.
W
Zanshin
Zanshin is the eighth and final stage in the Hassetsu, the "Eight Stages of Shooting," in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.
Z
Shihan
A shihan is a master instructor, often regarded as a "teacher of teachers." The term is composed of "shi" (teacher, master) and "han" (model, example), underscoring their role as a paragon of excellence and leadership in martial arts. Shihan signifies a higher rank and greater responsibility than sensei, marking a significant milestone in a practitioner’s journey.
S
Simple Reaction Time (SRT)
Simple Reaction Time (SRT) is the measure of the time it takes for an individual to respond to a single stimulus.
S
Escrima
Escrima, also known as Arnis or Kali, is a Filipino martial art that focuses on weapon-based fighting, particularly with sticks, knives, and other bladed weapons.
E
Choice Reaction Time (CRT)
Choice Reaction Time (CRT) is a measure of the time it takes for an individual to respond to one of several stimuli by selecting the appropriate response from multiple options.
C
Dohyo
A "dohyo" is the ring or platform where sumo wrestling matches take place.
D
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
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
Ballistic Stretching
Ballistic stretching is a form of stretching that involves rapid, bouncing movements to push a muscle beyond its typical range of motion.
B
UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a premier organization in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
U
Gymnastic Rings
Gymnastic rings, also known simply as rings, are a piece of equipment used in gymnastics and fitness training.
G
Shinzen Shobu
Shinzen Shobu is a term used in traditional Japanese martial arts, including Judo, which refers to a formal match or contest conducted in front of a shrine or a sacred place.
S
Bogu
Bogu is the protective armor worn by practitioners of Kendo during training and competition.
B
No Items Found