When we think of Sumo wrestling, we think of two very large guys hugging and pushing each other. That is a fair representation of the sport, if all you know about the sport came from watching movies.
Sumo, the national sport of Japan has a history of over a thousand years. It was first referenced in Japanese history during mythological times as a type of duel. The actual practice of Sumo started in the 8th century for the Emperor at court banquets. With the development of fuedalism after the 10th century, Sumo became recognized as a fighting technique amoung the warriors. After the end of feudalism, the sport continued through the help and support of the local townspeople. There were also close ties between Sumo and shrines and temples. This is a sport of great age and history that still flourishes today.
Sumo wrestling is rather simple in nature, but is complex with traditions and techniques. Basically, two men dressed only in loin cloths (mawashi) attempt to either take down the opponet to the mat (dohyo) or push him out of the ring (dohyo). The match is presided of by a referee. The decision of the match is made by the four judges judging the match. Sumo wrestlers have many traditional stances and postures incorporated in a match, this is the complex part. For more detail see the websites below.
Sumo is a sport that has lived on for centuries and is still growing stronger. In 1983 the International Sumo Organization was founded by Japan and Brazil and hopes to bring the sport to other countries. If you would like to learn more about sumo, its rules, or how you can see a match check out the websites below.
Created by Erik Hoffmann