Sumo

舟塚古墳 (小美玉市) 出土 埴輪 力士

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Sumo-Yokozuna-Shiranui-and-Kimenzan-1869

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Wrestling at Tokyo 1890s

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Kunisada sumo 1851

Somagahana Fuchiemon restored

Sumo is a competitive full-contact wrestling sport where a wrestler (rikishi) attempts to force another wrestler out of a circular ring (dohyo) or to touch the ground with any body part other than the soles of his feet. The sport originated in Japan, the only country where it is practiced professionally. It is considered a gendai budo, which refers to modern Japanese martial arts.

History

Sumo's origins go back thousands of years and have ties to Shinto rituals. It was originally performed to entertain the Shinto deities. Many ancient traditions have been preserved in sumo, and even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt purification, from its Shinto roots. Professional sumo can trace its roots back to the Edo period in Japan as a form of sporting entertainment.

Rules and Regulations

A sumo match is known as a bout, and it takes place on a raised circular platform called a dohyo, which is made of clay and covered in a layer of sand. A bout is typically very short, often lasting only a few seconds, but can occasionally last for a minute or more. There are no weight classes in sumo, meaning that wrestlers can face opponents significantly larger or smaller than themselves. The objective is to force the opponent out of the ring or to make any part of his body other than the soles of his feet touch the ground.

Ranks and Structure

Professional sumo is organized into a hierarchy of ranks. The highest rank is Yokozuna, considered the grand champion. Below Yokozuna, in descending order, are the ranks of Ozeki, Sekiwake, Komusubi, and Maegashira. Wrestlers are promoted or demoted based on their performance in official tournaments, which are held six times a year.

Training and Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live in training stables, known as heya, where all aspects of their daily lives—from meals to training and sleeping arrangements—are strictly regulated. The diet of a sumo wrestler is particularly famous, consisting largely of a high-calorie stew called chanko-nabe to help them gain weight. Training is rigorous and includes a variety of exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, and balance.

Cultural Significance

Sumo is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and tradition. It is more than just a sport; it is a living example of Japanese history and traditions. Sumo tournaments are attended by a wide range of spectators, including members of the imperial family. The sport also has a significant following outside Japan, with broadcasts and fan clubs around the world.

Challenges

Despite its rich tradition and cultural significance, sumo faces several challenges today, including declining interest among Japanese youth, scandals related to match-fixing, and issues of hazing and abuse within some training stables. Efforts are being made to address these issues and to modernize the sport while maintaining its traditional aspects.