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Rikishi

What is Rikishi?

In sumo wrestling, a "rikishi" is a professional sumo wrestler. The term literally means "strong man" or "powerful man" in Japanese. Rikishi range in rank from the lowest divisions to the top division, known as the makuuchi division. Within the makuuchi division, there are further ranks, with yokozuna being the highest rank a rikishi can achieve.

Rikishi follow a strict regimen that includes intense training, a specific diet to maintain their size and strength, and adherence to traditional customs and rituals. Their lifestyle is highly disciplined and regimented, reflecting the deep cultural significance and history of sumo wrestling in Japan.

Related Article: Sumo Wrestling: The Traditional Japanese Combat Sport

Spirit first, technique second.
Gichin Funakoshi

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Other Glossary terms

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Ashibumi
Ashibumi is a fundamental step in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.
A
Kubotan
A kubotan is a self-defense keychain weapon developed by Sōke Takayuki Kubota in the late 1960s.
K
Tsukidashi
Tsukidashi is another technique used in sumo wrestling. In this maneuver, a wrestler uses a series of powerful thrusts (tsuki) to push their opponent out of the ring (dohyo) without grabbing the opponent's mawashi (the belt or loincloth worn by sumo wrestlers).
T
Yugamae
Yugamae is a critical stage in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.
Y
Plyometric exercise
Plyometric exercise, also known as "jump training" or "plyos," involves explosive movements designed to increase power, strength, and speed.
P
Wing Chun
Wing Chun is a traditional Southern Chinese Kung Fu style that emphasizes close-range combat, quick strikes, and efficient movements.
W
Karate
Karate is a traditional martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan. It focuses on striking techniques such as punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes, as well as open-hand techniques like knife-hands and spear-hands.
K
Submission
In the context of martial arts and combat sports, a submission is a technique used to force an opponent to concede defeat, typically due to pain, the threat of injury, or an inability to escape.
S
Muay Tae
Muay Tae, also known as "Muay Thai Kickboxing," is a style of Muay Thai that emphasizes the use of powerful and precise kicks.
M
Jun Fan Gung Fu
Jun Fan Gung Fu is a martial arts system developed by Bruce Lee before he created Jeet Kune Do.
J
Uchiokoshi
Uchiokoshi is the fourth stage in the Hassetsu, the "Eight Stages of Shooting," in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.
U
Jita Kyoei
"Jita Kyoei" is another fundamental principle in Judo, also developed by its founder, Jigoro Kano.
J
Sap Gloves
Sap gloves, also known as weighted-knuckle gloves or law enforcement gloves, are gloves that have been reinforced with weighted materials, such as steel shot or powdered lead, typically sewn into the knuckles or the back of the hand.
S
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
Triangle Step
The Triangle Step, also known as "Triangle Footwork" or "Saam Gok Ma" in Wing Chun, is a fundamental footwork pattern used to enhance mobility, positioning, and balance.
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