Sumo or sumo wrestling is a traditional Japanese wrestling sport that is usually practiced by very heavy men. The wrestling match takes place in a circular part of a clay soil and is accompanied by many rituals. The Japanese consider Sumo to be a modern martial art; it is also a popular sport that is often broadcast on television. Besides Japan, the popularity of the sport is also starting to increase in other countries.
History of Sumo
The sumo tradition is very old, probably the sport 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 by court life as well as by the common people, and contains many ritual elements that originate from the Shinto religion.
Sumo is inextricably linked to the Japanese imperial family , the emperor is the head of Shinto. Some therefore interpret the short, explosive fights between the rikishi (wrestlers, literally strength men) as fights between two kami (deities), and the rivalry between the stables as rivalry between universal powers. Rikishi are seen as lucky charms. Touching a rikishi is said to bring strength and prosperity, and the 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 his body other than the soles of his feet. Hair is also considered a body part.
- The opponent touches the ground outside the circle.
The aim is therefore to ensure that the opponent cannot maintain his feet within the circle.
