Learn all about the history and modern forms of Japanese sumo wrestling.
Sumo wrestling is more than just two fat guys wrestling in what look like diapers. In fact, the modern sport of Sumo can trace its roots back for thousands of years, to some of the earliest civilizations on earth. From the ancient Greeks to the Aztecs, wrestling has had a major role throughout history. Modern sumo is a continuation of this tradition, but has also grown into its own very unique and different form of wrestling, with a diverse number of traditions and symbols surrounding the game.
History of Sumo:
The sport of Sumo comes out of a rich tradition of man-to-man wrestling, spanning thousands of years. The most commonly known form today came out of the Japanese tradition, but wrestling of similar varieties had also arisen in many other cultures and locations. Sumo wrestling originally arose as a religious ceremony to the Shinto gods. Shinto, the major religion of Japan, continues to play a large role in the sport, and matches are still devoted to the various gods. Early sumo played a large role in the Imperial Courts of Japan with matches even sometimes being used to resolve disputes between parties, instead of resorting to bloodshed and violence. Modern-day tournaments are arranged in the odd months of the year, and are scattered among various locations in Japan.
Sumo wrestling is arranged in a complicated hierarchy of Champions, Junior Champions, and regional titles. Wrestlers climb the rankings based on their performance, with the highest title possible the Grand Champion, or yokozuna. Once a wrestler reaches the yokozuna ranking, they will never lose it, but they are expected to retire once their performance begins to wane. In 1993, the first non-Japanese sumo wrestler was promoted to the rank of yokozuna, the Hawaiian wrestler Akebono. It was a testament to the rising and spreading popularity of the sport that a foreigner was able to reach the pinnacle of sumo status. Currently, there is only one active yokozuna sumo wrestler still in competition.
Young wrestlers hoping to become sumo professionals must enroll in sumo training camps, where they are trained according to strict rules. They learn the moves and strategies of sumo wrestling while eating massive amounts of food to gain weight. Young wrestlers in the training camps must obey the orders and whims of the trainers as well as the older wrestlers, in a very strict hierarchical order. Sumo training is a difficult and arduous process, but is undertaken by many athletes hoping to reach the fame and popularity that successful sumo wrestlers enjoy in Japan.
Sumo Rules:
Sumo rules are very simple, two men face off in a 15 foot ring. The first one to leave the ring, or to touch the ground with anything other than their feet, loses. The wrestlers, however, are strong and fit and can weigh up to 600 pounds. There are a great many ways to win a match, from the brute strength of pushing ones opponent out of the ring, to the strategy of making an opponent lose their balance and footing and fall to the ground. Because of the various strategies involved, the largest wrestler in sumo is not always the winner, and there are often surprises in the sport of sumo. Above all, however, respect for ones opponent and proper sportsmanly conduct is expected from both competitors.
Sumo Traditions:
In addition to the basic rules and hierarchy of sumo wrestling, the sport is surrounded by a large number of traditions and symbols. Sumo wrestlers, rikishi, fight in a ring called a dohyo. They wear a silk belt called a mawashi, which is often used by opponents to try and pull or lift their opponent. During the match, a referee called a gyoji watches over the competitors to ensure they conform to the rules. Matches are usually lightning fast, lasting only several seconds.
Modern Sumo:
There have been a number of changes in the world of sumo wrestling in the recent past, and the sport continues to grow and evolve into a modern form, while remaining closely linked with its traditions and history. Women have begun to practice the sport, and a female sumo championship was held for the first time in 1997. The sport has also begun to receive more international interest, with competitors coming from a number of foreign countries. Matches and competitions are now being held outside of Japan, in Europe, North America and other Asian countries. Though still the traditional Japanese sport it once was, sumo may eventually take on a much more international role.
