What is Sumo?

Sumo is a traditional Japanese martial art and sacred sport that originated in Shinto rituals.
In ancient times, it was held as a religious ceremony to pray for a bountiful harvest, and the outcome of the sumo wrestlers' matches was believed to represent the will of the gods.
Due to this religious background, ceremonial actions such as entering the ring and throwing salt are still considered important, and a solemn atmosphere permeates the atmosphere before and after competitions.
Culturally, sumo has been an integral part of Japanese life for over a thousand years.
It developed as a court event during the Heian period, as entertainment for the common people during the Edo period, and is now a beloved national sport.
The wrestlers' topknots, mawashi and movements are imbued with traditional beauty, and spectators respect the formality and etiquette.

What is a sumo wrestler?

Sumo wrestlers are professional competitors in the traditional Japanese martial art of sumo.
Its origins lie in ancient Shinto rituals, which were performed as a prayer for a bountiful harvest.
During the Heian period, it became a court event, and during the Edo period it developed as entertainment for the common people. Today's sumo wrestlers undergo rigorous training and are ranked according to a hierarchy.
Sumo wrestlers are not just athletes, but also bear the role of inheritors of etiquette and traditional culture.
Deep meanings are also embedded in the topknots, mawashi, and mannerisms.

Sumo wrestlers are athletes who possess not only weight but also flexibility and explosive power.
Despite his physique, he can split his legs incredibly wide, instantly disrupting his opponent's balance.
When you see it up close, its movements will likely be different from what you imagine.

Sumo wrestler ranks

Sumo wrestlers are ranked according to a hierarchy called "banzuke."
The highest rank is "Yokozuna," and only those who are recognized for their dignity and ability can be promoted.
Next come the ranks of "Ozeki," "Sekiwake," "Komusubi," and "Maegashira," and these are collectively called "Makuuchi wrestlers."
"Makuuchi wrestlers" are broadcast on television, so they become more well-known.
Below the Makuuchi rank is the Juryo rank, and the sumo ranks of Ozeki, Sekiwake, Komusubi, Maegashira, and Juryo are all combined to form the Sekitori rank.
Sekitori are paid a salary and compete every day for 15 days at each tournament.

Below the "Juryo" rank are the "Makushita," "Sandanme," "Jonidan," and "Jonokuchi" ranks, which are the ranks for young wrestlers and newcomers.
There is no salary, and each location will have 7 days of competition out of 15 days.

Wrestlers are promoted by having more wins than losses, and demoted by having more losses than wins.
The rankings are updated at each of the six tournaments held each year to reflect the results.

This ranking system requires wrestlers to not only demonstrate technique, but also consistent performance and mental strength, and they work hard to reach the top.

Sumo rules

Sumo is a traditional Japanese martial art in which two wrestlers compete in a circular ring with a diameter of approximately 4.55 meters.
The rules are very simple: the one who pushes the opponent out of the ring or touches the ring with any part of their body other than the soles of their feet loses.
The match begins with a moment called "tachiai," when the wrestlers collide and exchange techniques.
Representative techniques include "push out," "yorikiri," and "uwade nage," and sumo wrestlers fight to make the most of their physique and special skills.
There are some actions that are prohibited, such as pulling hair, punching, or poking in the eyes, which are considered "forbidden moves" and will result in a foul.
Before the match, there is a staring contest called "shikiri," and the wrestlers perform a ritual that involves sprinkling salt to purify the ring.
These actions are imbued with sacred meaning, and sumo is not just a sport, but also has an aspect of traditional culture.
Even beginners can enjoy the techniques and tactics of the wrestlers by learning the rules.

Ring-entering

The "Dohyo-iri" in Grand Sumo is a traditional ceremony performed by sumo wrestlers on the sumo ring before a match.
This applies to sumo wrestlers of the rank of Juryo or higher (Sekitori), and it serves to show their faces to the audience and demonstrate respect in a sacred setting.
The sumo wrestlers, adorned with elaborate ceremonial aprons, step onto the sumo ring, led by the referee.
They are divided into east and west sides and line up in a circle, performing actions such as clapping their hands and raising both hands.
This is also a symbol of peace, indicating that they "do not possess weapons."
Only the Yokozuna performs a special "Yokozuna Ring-Entering Ceremony" alone, accompanied by a dew sweeper and a sword bearer, and performs the stomping ritual and demonstrates the forms.
The ring-entering ceremony is a moment where one can feel the dignity and formality of the sumo wrestlers, and it is a ritual that symbolizes the sacredness and beauty of sumo.
Even first-time viewers can appreciate the charm of sumo more deeply by learning about the meaning behind the dignified appearance and movements of the sumo wrestlers.