Sumo Wrestling

Sumo wrestling is a traditional Japanese form of competitive wrestling that features large, heavyset athletes known as rikishi. The objective of the sport is to force one’s opponent out of a circular ring (dohyō) or to make any part of their body other than the soles of their feet touch the ground. Sumo matches are characterized by various techniques, including pushing, shoving, and throwing.

Sumo wrestling is steeped in tradition and ritual, with numerous ceremonies, including the purification of the ring with salt, and the performance of rituals known as shinto acts. The lifestyle of a rikishi is also highly structured, involving strict training regimens, specific diets, and adherence to hierarchical social norms within stable environments called heya.

Established as a sport in Japan, sumo has a rich history dating back several centuries and is deeply intertwined with Japanese cultural identity. It has become an internationally recognized sport, attracting fans and competitors from around the world.