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Sumo

What is Sumo?

Sumo is a traditional Japanese form of wrestling that has a rich history and cultural significance in Japan. It involves two wrestlers, known as rikishi, who compete in a circular ring called a dohyo. The objective of the match 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.

Sumo has a number of rituals and traditions that are deeply rooted in Shinto practices, such as the purification of the ring with salt and the ceremonial stomping to drive away evil spirits. Wrestlers wear a distinctive belt called a mawashi, and matches are typically short, often lasting only a few seconds.

Sumo is also a hierarchical sport with a ranking system that determines the status and privileges of the wrestlers. The top division is called Makuuchi, and within this division, the highest rank is Yokozuna. Achieving the rank of Yokozuna is a significant honor and requires consistent high performance and demonstration of exceptional skill and dignity.

In addition to being a sport, sumo is also a form of entertainment and a cultural event that attracts audiences from around the world. Major sumo tournaments, known as honbasho, are held six times a year in various locations across Japan.

Related Article: Sumo: Pre-fight Customs and Rituals

Paradoxically, the man who has failed and one who is at the peak of success are in exactly the same position. Each must decide what he will do next, choose the course that will lead him to the future.
Kano Jigoro

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Other Glossary terms

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