Sumo is a competitive full-contact wrestling sport where two rikishi (sumo wrestlers) face off in a circular ring known as a dohyō. The objective is to force the opponent out of the ring or make any part of their body, other than the soles of their feet, touch the ground. Here is a detailed look into the sport:
The origins of sumo can be traced back over 1,500 years, rooted in Shinto rituals to entertain the gods. It was formalized during the Heian Period (794-1185) and further developed during the Edo Period (1603-1868) when it became a public spectacle. Sumo was established as Japan's national sport by the early 20th century, with the first professional sumo tournament held in 1909.
Sumo wrestlers are ranked in a hierarchical system, with the highest ranks being Yokozuna, Ōzeki, Sekiwake, Komusubi, and Maegashira. Promotion through the ranks is based on performance, with the top ranks requiring not only wins but also a display of dignity and adherence to sumo's strict codes of conduct.
Official tournaments, known as honbasho, are held six times a year, with each lasting 15 days. Wrestlers compete once a day, and their rank for the next tournament is determined by their record. The rules of sumo are simple:
Sumo is rich in ceremony and tradition:
While deeply traditional, sumo has adapted to modern times: