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Dohyo

What is Dohyo?

A "dohyo" is the ring or platform where sumo wrestling matches take place. It is typically made of a special kind of clay and covered with a layer of sand. The dohyo is circular and has a diameter of about 4.55 meters (approximately 15 feet). The boundaries of the ring are marked by rice-straw bales that are buried in the clay. The dohyo is considered a sacred space, and various rituals are performed to purify it before matches. Sumo wrestlers, or rikishi, compete within this ring, and the objective is to force the opponent out of the ring or to make any part of their body other than the soles of their feet touch the ground.

Related Article: Sumo Wrestling: The Traditional Japanese Combat Sport

Karate cannot be adequately learned in a short space of time. Like a torpid bull, regardless of how slowly it moves, it will eventually cover a thousand miles. So too, for one who resolves to study Karate diligently two or three hours every day. After three or four years of unremitting effort one's body will undergo a great transformation revealing the very essence of Karate.
Anko Itosu

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Other Glossary terms

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Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the scientific study of the mechanical principles of living organisms, particularly their movement and structure.
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
Brass Knuckles or Knuckle Dusters
Brass knuckles, also known as knuckle dusters, are handheld weapons designed to fit around the knuckles.
B
Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang are fundamental concepts in Chinese philosophy and culture, representing the idea of dualism and the interconnectedness of opposites.
Y
Zanshin
Zanshin is a fundamental concept in Japanese martial arts, referring to a state of relaxed alertness and total awareness. Practitioners cultivate zanshin to maintain vigilance before, during, and after combat.
Z
Katame-Waza
Katame-Waza refers to the grappling or groundwork techniques in Judo.
K
Muay Thai Jump Rope
Muay Thai jump rope is a form of jump rope exercise specifically tailored for Muay Thai practitioners.
M
Atemi-Waza
Atemi-Waza refers to striking techniques in traditional Japanese martial arts, including Judo, Aikido, and Karate.
A
Sumo
Sumo is a traditional Japanese form of wrestling that has a rich history and cultural significance in Japan.
S
Static Flexibility
Static flexibility refers to the ability to hold a stretch in a stationary position, extending a muscle to its furthest point and maintaining that position for a period of time.
S
Dojo
A Dojo is a term used in Japanese martial arts to refer to a formal training hall or place where practitioners gather to train, study, and practice their martial art.
D
Tai Chi
Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), is a traditional Chinese martial art that is practiced both for its defense training and its health benefits.
T
Lohan Hands
Lohan Hands, also known as "Luohan Hands" or "Arhat Hands," is a term associated with a set of exercises or forms in traditional Chinese martial arts and Qigong, particularly within the Shaolin tradition.
L
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
Aikido
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art that focuses on harmonizing with an opponent's energy to neutralize the threat without causing serious harm.
A
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