Sumo

 

Sumo is a traditional Japanese style of wrestling that dates back several centuries. 

It is a highly ritualized and competitive sport, characterized by the massive size of its participants and their unique wrestling techniques.

The objective of sumo is simple to force your opponent out of the circular ring (dohyo) or make them touch the ground with any part of their body other than the soles of their feet. 

Matches usually last only a few seconds, but they can occasionally go on for minutes.

Sumo wrestlers, known as rikishi, are highly trained athletes who dedicate their lives to the sport. 

They typically live in communal training stables called sumo-beya, where they follow strict daily routines, including intense physical training, strict diets, and adherence to various traditions.

Sumo wrestlers are known for their considerable size and weight. 

The top division wrestlers, called sekitori, usually weigh over 300 pounds (136 kilograms) and can stand over 6 feet tall. 

The weight and size of the wrestlers play a significant role in the sport, as it affects their balance, strength, and ability to overpower opponents.

Professional sumo tournaments, known as basho, are held six times a year in Japan. 

Each basho lasts 15 days, during which wrestlers compete in a round-robin format. 

The higher-ranked wrestlers face off against each other, with the goal of achieving a majority of wins to advance in the rankings. 

The highest rank in sumo is yokozuna, followed by ozeki, sekiwake, komusubi, and maegashira.

Sumo has a rich tradition of rituals and ceremonies that accompany the matches. 

Before each bout, the wrestlers perform a ritual called shiko, which involves lifting their legs high and stomping them on the ground to ward off evil spirits. 

They also throw salt into the ring to purify it and show respect to the sumo gods.

Aspiring sumo wrestlers usually enter the sport at a young age and join a sumo stable, where they receive training from experienced wrestlers and stablemasters. 

The training is rigorous and demanding, focusing on building strength, technique, and discipline.

Sumo is not just a sport but also an integral part of Japanese culture and tradition. 

It is deeply rooted in Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, and is often associated with rituals and customs. 

Sumo wrestlers are revered as symbols of strength and discipline, and their matches are highly anticipated events in Japan.

Sumo continues to be popular in Japan and attracts international attention as well. Its unique blend of athleticism, tradition, and cultural significance makes it a fascinating and distinctive sport.