One of the most recognised sports in Japan is Sumo. Sumo is a full-contact sport that has roots that date back over two-thousand years. It is a sport filled with honor and symbolism for the Japanese people as well as, fun and entertainment for the rest of the world.
One of the first known records of sumo wrestling dates back to the second century. Sumo began as a Shinto tradition of entertaining the gods. Before a match, the two competitors would clap their hands (to get the gods attention), then they would stomp their feet (to ward off evil spirits) and then throw sea salt to purify the ring.
Beginning in the seventeenth century, Sumo converted itself into a sporting event. However, they still maintained their Shinto traditions. Also during this time, they set up a ranking system for the combatants. At the bottom of the list were the Jonokuchi, then the Jonidan, Sandanme, Makushita, Juryo, Makuuchi and finally the Yokozuna.
The Yokozuna is the highest rank one can receive in Sumo. There have only been sixty-nine that have received this honor. The first was Akashi Shiganosuke in the early seventeenth century. One of the current Yokozuna is Koyo Musashimaru, who is an American from Hawaii. There are no exact rules for becoming a Yokozuna, and not limit as to how many there can be at a time.
The Yokozuna is the highest rank one can receive in Sumo. There have only been sixty-nine that have received this honor. The first was Akashi Shiganosuke in the early seventeenth century. One of the current Yokozuna is Koyo Musashimaru, who is an American from Hawaii. There are no exact rules for becoming a Yokozuna, and not limit as to how many there can be at a time.
Even though there are no set rules to becoming a Yokozuna, there is one given
requirement, fighting. There are six tounaments held in Japan a year for fifteen days strait. During those days the wrestelers fight to become the top of their rank by facing other wrestelers throughout the two weeks. Here is a list of all the tournaments held throughout the year.
January-Tokyo
March- Osaka
May- Tokyo
July- Nagoya
September- Tokyo
November- Fukuoka
When the the wrestlers are not trying to take down their opponents out at a tournament, they are training. Each sumo wrestler lives in a stable with other wrestlers. There you are feed high calorie meals, sleep in a dorm, and your everyday activities are controlled by your trainer. One of the traditions of a sumo wrestler is their attire. They are not permitted to wear anything other than traditional, Japanese clothing.
On the World’s stage, sumo is continuing to gain popularity. The NSA (National Sumo Association) is continuing their push for Sumo to become an Olympic sport. Women Sumo is increasing in popularity as it is a up-and-coming sport in Mongolia.
The future is bright for Sumo Wrestling. What once started out as a religious practice to please the gods, has now turned into a highly entertaining sport. Whether you watch it for its traditions, the excitement, or if you just find enjoyment in watching fat men in loincloths duke it out, sumo is a sport everyone can enjoy.
