Sumo, or sumo wrestling, is a traditional Japanese wrestling sport usually practiced by very overweight men. The wrestling match takes place in a circular area of clay and is accompanied by many rituals.
The Japanese consider Sumo a modern martial art; it is also a popular sport that is often broadcast on television. Besides Japan, the sport's popularity is also beginning to grow in other countries.
History of Sumo
The sumo tradition is very old; the sport likely originated from a Korean martial art called Ssireum, which was introduced to the Japanese imperial court by a Korean prince in exile.
This sport was influenced not only by the court life but also by the common people, and contains many ritual elements that stem from the Shinto religion.
Sumo is inextricably linked to the Japanese Imperial House , as the Emperor is the head of Shinto. Some therefore interpret the short, explosive wrestling matches between the rikishi (wrestlers, literally "strength-men") as battles between two kami (deities), and the rivalry between the stables as a rivalry between universal forces.
Rikishi are seen as bringing good luck. Touching a rikishi is said to bring strength and prosperity, and as a result, rikishi are sometimes harassed by fans both inside and outside tournaments.
There are two ways to win a sumo wrestling match:
- The opponent touches the ground within the circle with a part of their body other than their soles of their feet. Hair is also considered a part of the body in this case.
- The opponent touches the ground outside the circle.
The goal, therefore, is to ensure that the opponent cannot maintain their balance on their feet within the circle.
