Get Up Close to a Sumo Wrestling Match

Sumo wrestling is a traditional Japanese sport with a history spanning over a thousand years. Originating as a Shinto ritual to entertain gods, it evolved into a competitive sport during the Edo period (1603-1868). The primary goal in sumo is to force your opponent out of a circular ring or make any part of their body, other than the soles of their feet, touch the ground. Sumo matches take place in a ring called the dohyō, which is raised and made from clay. Wrestlers, known as rikishi, wear a thick belt called a mawashi. They train rigorously in sumo stables, or heya, focusing on both wrestling skills and physical conditioning. There are six major tournaments, or honbasho, held each year, each lasting 15 days. Wrestlers are ranked based on their performance, with the highest rank being yokozuna. Other important ranks include ozeki (a high rank just below yokozuna), sekiwake, and komusubi. Lower divisions include makuuchi and jūryō. Sumo incorporates various rituals, such as leg stomping (shiko) and salt throwing to purify the ring. These ceremonial aspects reflect the sport’s deep cultural and spiritual roots. Despite being traditionally Japanese, sumo has gained international recognition, with wrestlers from around the world competing. The sport continues to balance its rich heritage with the demands of modern times, maintaining its place as a significant cultural symbol in Japan.