An Introduction to the Sport of Sumo

A sport that originated in Japan, Sumo is a specialized form of Japanese wrestling that is known to be one of the oldest known Japanese martial arts. This sport holds to be one of the most popularly watched Japan sports. Sumo wrestling entails the battle of two men trying to knock each other out of the ring by means of slapping, throwing, grappling, pushing, or pulling. This sport dates its origin back to the Edo Period as a form of sports entertainment.

Origin of Sumo

The sport of Sumo has been throughout much of Japan’s history. It is an event that has been prominent in religious rituals, military training, or even just for entertainment. The earliest evidence of Sumo is found in the Nihon Shoki or The Chronicles of Japan which was written around the 8^th century. The Nihon Shoki refers to a sumo contest in 23 BC. Over the years the sport and popularity of Sumo has evolved throughout Japan’s history, from theHeian Period to the modern day Japan.

History of Sumo: During the Heian Period, Early Edo Period, and Late Edo Period, Sumo had been in practice in many forms.
Nihon Shoki: The text has been referenced as containing the first evidence of Sumo Wrestling.
Glossary of Sumo Terms: This glossary will give insight on the terms used in the sport of Sumo Wrestling.
Sumo Wrestling: An account of the progression of Sumo Wrestling through time.
In Depth Origin of Sumo: This contains accounts of the origin of sumo.

Rules of Sumo

One of the most basic rules of sumo is overthrowing one's opponent and evicting him from the ringed platform known as the dohyo that has a diameter of 4.55 meters. The attire of a sumo wrestler must only consist of a belly band known as the mawashi. Upon entering the ring the sumo wrestlers must start with a series of rituals before commencing the bout. These rituals are used to purify the ring before the bout. In order to win the bout, a wrestler must overthrow his opponent, whether outside the ring, or off his feet. There are 70 reported ways on how to win the bout that the Sumo Association of Japan respects.

The Rules of Sumo: These are the rules of Sumo Wrestling according to the Sumo Association of Japan.
Techniques of Sumo: Shown are some representations of the techniques that sumo wrestlers use in bouts.
Rules with Penalties: Sumo wrestling has its penalties and rules that need to be followed.
The Dohyo: An in-depth description of the ring where sumo wrestlers fight.

Sumo Ranking

Professional sumo wrestling has a ranking system organized according to division. The sport takes place six times a year in 15-day tournaments. In these bouts, a wrestler may attain the highest and only permanent rank of yokuzuna. If they cannot uphold their position, they are then likely to retire.

Ranking System of Sumo: These are the assigned ranks given to sumo wrestlers depending on their division.
Banzuke: This shows the Professional ranking system.
Professional Sumo Tournaments: This website provides a listing of professional Sumo events before they take place.
Tournament Schedule: This is another reference to sumo wrestling tournament schedules.
Famous Sumo Wrestlers: Some significant sumo wrestlers of the today are listed here.

Sumo Ceremonies

Sumo ceremonies encompass a great many things meant to uphold their Shinto roots. Before the bouts, the combatants are seen stomping their feet and clapping their hands to attract the gods, after which, they throw salt to purify the ring. This ceremony is done at the start of every bout. Sumo Wrestling has been associated with pleasing the kami, or Japanese Gods.

Shinto: This religion has been the root of the ceremonies that Sumo wrestlers perform before the start of every bout.
Sumo Ceremonies: These are practices done by sumo wrestlers before every bout.

The Gyoji and the Judge

The Gyoji are the referees of Sumo matches. Gyoji wear a kimono whose pattern resembles that of the Kamakura Period’s Samurai. Since Shinto is linked with Sumo, their hats resemble that of the Shinto priests. The Gyoji’s rank is determined by the color on his fan. Purple fans with or without white are used by the tate-gyoji, the highest rank of Gyoji, and blue or black are used for ranks below. Referees of high rank don straw sandals whereas those with lower ranks go barefooted. While the Gyoji referee matches they are not the ones who decide the overall outcome of a match. The five shimpan, or judges, have the final say in the outcome of a match and may reverse the decision of the Gyoji if they see fit.

Ranks of the Gyoji: A list of the different rankings of a Gyoji is shown with the characteristics that define them.

The Shikiri

Before the start of the bout, the combatants squat while they glare at each other as a form of cold war. This is known as the Shikiri. This does not signify the start of the bout but is a part of the ritual that precedes it. After this, they return back to their respective places and throw more salt to purify the ring. This goes on for at most four minutes and this is how the combatants prepare for the bout.

Shikiri Ceremony: Details on the ceremony are shown here.