Sumo Wrestling 101
When one thinks of sumo wrestling the only thing that comes to mind, are images of really huge men. It is the astonishing size of these battling giants that makes the game such an amazing spectacle. The sumo wrestlers of today are huge men and they must attempt to move others out of a ring or force them to the ground. The way sumo wrestlers attack each other is very similar to the way NFL offensive linemen attack defensive linemen. Here’s a look at how this martial sport originated in Japan, the only place where it is currently practiced professionally.
What is known about Sumo Wrestling is that in ancient times it was associated with the Shinto religion and rituals correlated to it, via support from the Japanese imperial court. In fact, province representatives were even required to compete in contests known in English as, "sumai party."
The Sumo ring, called a dohyo, came into being during a tournament organized by the principal warlord in Japan, Oda Nobunaga. Wrestlers, called rikishi, wore looser loincloths at the time, rather than the less flexible and tighter mawashi they cloth themselves with today. In addition, the rules began to change during the Edo period toward those of today, as previously there were different goals other than to move an opponent out of the ring or bring them to the ground.
Along with this, professional sumo tournaments also began during the Edo period in the Tomioka Hachiman Shrine in 1684. Beginning practitioners were mostly master-less samurais that needed extra money. Soon after, these tournaments began being held in the Eko-in, though since 1909 they've been housed in the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Sumo competitors are large, powerful men that rely on leverage, size, and power to push opponents out of the dohyo. Rikishi life is very strict, with all rules coming down from the Sumo Association. Along with this, wrestlers are often mandated to live in communal training stables known as heya.
There are six divisions in sumo. These are makuuchi, juryo, makushita, sandanme, jonidan, and jonokuchi. The top division is makuuchi, and they fall in favor from there respectively. Wrestlers initially enter into the beginning division or jonokuchi and attempt to work their way up.
At the top of the makuuchi division are the maegashira which are numbered from one to about 16 or 17. Above these fighters are the three champions called sanyaku. They are titled komusubi, sekiwake, and ozeki in ascending order. The top wrestler is called the yokuzuna. A word many are familiar with, as it is used to refer to exceptionally large people. The yokozuna is the grand champion. Interestingly, more than one wrestler can hold this title at the same time.
There are six Grand Sumo tournaments every year. And there are a number of rituals that wrestlers engage in, both before their bouts as well as just before. Of particular note are the ladels of water that they are given to rinse their mouths while on the dohyo, as well as the way competitors squat facing each other, clap their hands, and spread their hands wide to show that they are unarmed. In addition, rikishi throw salt in the ring, serving as one of the many ritual Shinto practices.
Then of course there is the crouch before they charge one another. Both wrestlers must jump up from this crouch at the same time at the start of the bout or risk a referee restart. The referee points a war-fan at the winner of fights upon their conclusion, though this decision can be questioned and ultimately overturned by five judges sitting ringside. Fights usually last less than a minute. If a fight goes on for four minutes, the referee may call a water break. Ties are extremely rare.
Three very famous Sumo Wrestlers who must be given due appreciation for their contribution to the world of martial arts include. Taiho, who holds the record for the most consecutive championships (6) and most tournament Championships (32) won as a professional sumo wrestler. Kitanoumi, who was the youngest Yokozuna of all-time and possesses the record for most wins in one year (82). He is second to Chiyonofuji for most wins in the Makuuchi division (804). And Chiyonofuji, who held sumo's top rank for 10 years from 1981-91, and also holds the records for most Makuuchi division wins (807), most career wins (1,045), and is second in total tournament championships (31).
Tags: