Sumo wrestling is one of the most exciting, high energy professional sports that is uniquely Japanese. People from far and wide come to big halls to watch sumo wrestlers display their skills.

 

A Unique Martial Sport

 

Sumo wrestling is a full contact sport that is very popular in Japan, often thought of as their national sport.

Before the match begins, both fighters perform a ritual display that includes slapping their bellies and stomping to ward off evil spirits. Salt is also thrown into the ring in order to purify it.

The match starts when both wrestlers face each other, squat and touch their knuckles to the floor of the ring at the same time. The moment that both wrestlers touch the ground in this manner, the match has begun and they will charge at each other.

The wrestlers use a combination of pushing, strikes, and throwing techniques to try and defeat each other.

Sumo matches are decided when one of the wrestlers is thrown out of the ring or if he is forced to touch the ring floor with any part of his body other than the souls of his feet.

 

Sumo Exhibitions

 

Six Grand Sumo Tournaments are held each year in Japan. These exhibitions are held in different locations depending on the time of year:

• January, May, September – Tokyo
• March – Osaka
• July – Nagoya
• November – Fukuoka

 

Tokyo tournaments are held in a large indoor stadium called the Ryōgoku Kokugikan which is considered to be the home of Professional Sumo Wrestling. A shinto roof is suspended above the ring, giving the hall its unique look.

 

Each tournament takes place in the middle of the month, and lasts just over two weeks.

 

The History of Sumo Wrestling

 

The first written reference to Sumo wrestling dates back to 712 in a collection of myths and legends. The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan), which was published in 720, claims that the first sumo match between mortal men occurred in 23 BC.

Ever since the written references, Sumo has been around in one form or another through the ages.

The first historically credible matches were held in the Imperial court in 642 to entertain foreign dignitaries.

Sumo grew in popularity during the Heian period (794 – 1185 ) during which the first set of official rules were made.

 

The Life of a Professional Sumo Wrestler

 

Sumo wrestlers, called rikishi, have to live together in dorms that are called Heya (stables). Rikishi eat, sleep, and train together daily.

Professional wrestlers follow strict rules such as not being allowed to drive cars. Their schedules are also strictly defined – wrestlers have to train in the mornings. Newer members start training early, while the veterans get to sleep in.

Rikishi are only allowed to eat two meals a day – a large lunch at noon and dinner in the evening. Wrestlers typically take a nap after the first meal to help them put on weight.

Beer is a staple part of a sumo wrestler’s diet, as is chankonabe which is a hotpot stew often associated with Sumo.

Unfortunately the obesity that’s required as part of the job has a negative impact on the fighter. Sumo wrestlers have an average lifespan of around 65 years which is much shorter than the general Japanese male life expectancy of 84 years.

 

Enjoying Sumo As a Tourist

Going to a Sumo wrestling tournament is an exciting way to experience one of Japan’s unique cultural activities. Next time you plan a trip to Japan, try to make some time and watch Japan’s national sport.

 
 

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