Sumo Wrestling 相撲 (すもう)
What is Sumo Wresting?
Sumo wrestling is the traditional national sport of Japan. Just as baseball and soccer have become popular within Japan, the ancient traditions of Sumo wrestling are gaining popularity outside of Japan. There are six Grand Sumo tournaments (basho) held during the year, in each odd numbered month. Three are held in the capital of Tokyo, and one each are held in the cities of Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. There are only seventy salaried professional sumo wrestlers in the two top divisions of Sumo, with hundreds of men striving to break into these ranks.
How is Sumo Wrestling Enjoyed?
To enjoy the combat sport of Sumo Wrestling, there are only a few things to
know. Two men meet in a ring that is 4.55 meters across. They wear thick silk
belts around their waists. The object is to force your opponent out of this ring
(dohyo) or to make any part of his body (excepting the soles of the feet) touch
the playing surface. There is a referee and several judges watching the action
to call the winner. These bouts are very brief, averaging only a few seconds,
although some exciting matchups can go on for two or three minutes. The
combatants cannot pull hair, gouge eyes, or strike with a closed fist. Pushing,
tripping, slapping and various body throws are commonly seen in Sumo. Judo was
derived from ancient Sumo throwing techniques.
Why Learn About Sumo Wrestling?
If you are interested in Japan, Sumo is a fascinating way to learn about the culture of the country. Men and women alike are fans of the sport, and it is deeply and traditionally Japanese. The wrestlers belong to teams, and live communally in a lifestyle that is completely dedicated to the sport. Sumo is a way of life as well as a sport, and all involved wear distinctive clothing and are considered role models all year round. A strict meritocracy, you gain rank and pay in Sumo only by winning; lose and you drop in rank. An additional attraction of Sumo are the men from foreign countries who struggle to achieve fame and fortune in Japan. Recently, men from Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Mongolia, China and the United States have found success.
Next Page: Dictionary of Basic Sumo Wrestling Terms
Sumo Wrestling: Table Of Contents
- Sumo Wrestling Introduction
- Dictionary of Basic Sumo Wrestling Terms
- History of Sumo Wrestling
Japanese Culture and Society Links
Japanese Sports 競技 (スポーツ)
Japanese Food 食品 (しょくひん)
Japanese Pop Culture 文化（ぶんか）
- Hello Kitty Phenomena
- Japanese Anime, Japanese Manga
- Japanese Hair Straightening: All You Ever Wanted to Know
- Japanese Karaoke
- Kawaii
Miscellaneous
- Creating a Japanese Garden Theme
- Keeping and Handling Japanese Inro
- Misconception about Ninja
- Japanese Bonsai
- Japanese Geisha
- Japanese Wedding
- Why Do Japanese Have Long Lifespan?
- Decorate with Japanese Art
Japanese Literature Links
- Haiku Poetry
- Japanese Alphabet
- Japanese Language
- Japanese Pronunciation
- Learning Japanese Kanji
- Tanka Poems
Japanese Art Links