A Detailed Guide to the History and Overview of Sumo Wrestling

 

Table of Contents

1. What Is Sumo?
2. The History of Sumo
3. Wrestler Rankings
4. Sumo Equipment
5. Where to Enjoy Sumo
   
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Sumo is far more than just a sport — it is a profound world steeped in Japanese tradition and culture. With a history spanning hundreds of years, this discipline features unique rules, a hierarchical ranking system, and distinctive equipment. It has fans not only in Japan but all around the world. Every moment that wrestlers (rikishi) spend on the dohyo carries meaning that goes beyond simply winning or losing. In this article, we will delve deeper into the fundamentals and allure of sumo wrestling.

We begin with the basics of sumo, then look back at its history. Next, we explain the ranking system of wrestlers, and touch on the essential equipment and attire used in sumo. Finally, we introduce places where you can watch sumo and tips for enjoying the experience, providing information to help you understand and appreciate sumo on a deeper level.

What Is Sumo?

Sumo is much more than a sport in which wrestlers compete on a dohyo (ring). It has its origins in ancient Japanese Shinto rituals and festivals, and is also recognized as a form of martial arts and budo. Professional sumo (ozumo) embodies this tradition as a public spectacle, carrying deep cultural significance. The history of sumo stretches back to ancient times and mythology, and its formation and development are closely intertwined with Japanese society and culture.

While sumo takes the form of grappling between wrestlers on a dohyo, behind it lies a rich history and tradition, along with strict rules and etiquette.Professional sumo has gained high recognition both within Japan and internationally, and the battles of wrestlers are enjoyed by many people. Additionally, amateur sumo and sumo performed as part of local Shinto rituals and entertainment demonstrate the diversity and vitality of this traditional culture.

Sumo has its own unique systems, including wrestler rankings and hierarchies, as well as specific match rules and formats. These have been appropriately updated over time while preserving sumo’s history and traditions, allowing it to maintain its appeal in the modern era.

The History of Sumo

The history of sumo can be traced back to the mythological era, establishing its position as a traditional Japanese cultural practice. From ancient times, sumo began as tests of strength and grappling that expressed the human fighting instinct, with its roots found in myths and legends recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. It was initially performed as a ritual ceremony to predict agricultural harvests, and later developed into a court event.

Through the Warring States period and into the Edo period, sumo flourished as popular entertainment, and professional wrestlers began to emerge. During this era, sumo tournaments were held regularly, and powerful wrestlers such as Tanikaze, Onogawa, and Raiden appeared, establishing the foundation of professional sumo. The dohyo-iri (ring-entering ceremony), banzuke (ranking charts), kesho-mawashi (decorative aprons), mage (topknots), kimono, and sumo matches — these cultural elements have been passed down from the Edo period to the present day.

Sumo is an internationally recognized martial art, combat sport, and athletic discipline originating from Japan, with professional sumo organized by the Japan Sumo Association being particularly famous. Because of its origins in Shinto rituals, compared to other professional sports, great emphasis is placed on etiquette and manners, and traditional customs in lifestyle and appearance are maintained, reflecting its cultural dimension.

Wrestler Rankings

In professional sumo, the wrestler rankings are structured from highest to lowest as follows.

Yokozuna (Grand Champion):

 
The highest rank in professional sumo, attainable only by wrestlers who possess both overwhelming strength and dignified character. The Yokozuna serves as a symbol of the sumo world and is expected not only to perform well in tournaments but also to lead the entire sumo community.

Ozeki (Champion):

 
The second-highest rank after Yokozuna, attainable by wrestlers with consistently high ability. Promotion from Ozeki to Yokozuna is extremely difficult and requires exceptional tournament results.

Sekiwake (Junior Champion):

One of the upper makuuchi ranks, this is the level through which wrestlers aiming for Ozeki promotion must pass. Sekiwake are required to maintain consistent results in each tournament.

Komusubi:

 
An upper makuuchi rank positioned just below Sekiwake. Like Sekiwake, Komusubi is a rank where wrestlers aiming for higher positions are often temporarily placed.

Maegashira (Rank-and-File):

This refers to makuuchi wrestlers who do not hold a titled position. Maegashira ranges from the first rank (top) to the seventeenth, with rankings fluctuating based on tournament results.

Juryo:

 
Positioned below makuuchi and above makushita, this is the first step to earning the status of sekitori (salaried wrestler). Juryo has a fixed roster of 28 wrestlers from both east and west sides.

Makushita: 
A rank positioned below Juryo, through which wrestlers aiming for sekitori status must pass. From makushita and above, wrestlers are called sekitori.

Sandanme:

 
Positioned below makushita, this is an important stepping stone for young wrestlers aiming to advance to higher ranks.

Jonidan:

 
A rank positioned below sandanme, this is the first level that new wrestlers entering from the lower ranks experience.

Jonokuchi:

 
The lowest rank in professional sumo, this is where new recruits who have just graduated from sumo school are first placed.

These ranks are determined based on the wrestler’s ability, achievements, and evaluation by the Sumo Association, taking into account their results from each tournament. Promotion to higher ranks in particular requires a certain number of victories and specific results, making the competition extremely fierce.

Sumo Equipment

Mawashi (Loincloth):

 
The only garment worn by wrestlers during matches. Made of thick fabric, the mawashi plays an important role in allowing wrestlers to perform techniques and grapple with their opponents.

Dohyo (Ring):

The venue where sumo matches take place. It is constructed using specific tools and procedures, and is rebuilt anew for each tournament. Tools used in dohyo construction include hoes, five-inch nails, tamping tools, pounders, ramming poles, rakes (tonbo), and beer bottles. These tools are used to shape and compact the ring, with the five-inch nails used to outline the circle. The tamping tools and pounders compact the ground, rakes smooth the surface, and beer bottles are used to pound and shape the small straw bales packed into the earth.

Chikara-mizu (Power Water):

Purification water used by wrestlers to cleanse themselves before stepping onto the dohyo. A wrestler receives chikara-mizu from another wrestler and rinses his mouth to prepare for entering the sacred ring. During COVID-19 precautions, this was temporarily performed as “air chikara-mizu” (without actual water), but has since returned to its original form.

Hyoshigi (Wooden Clappers):

Used by the yobidashi (announcers) when calling out the wrestlers’ names in professional sumo. Made from cherry wood, hyoshigi create the traditional atmosphere of sumo and heighten the tension before wrestlers step onto the dohyo.

These tools are extremely important not only for the sport of sumo itself but also as elements symbolizing Japanese culture and tradition. The use of chikara-mizu, hyoshigi, and other various tools demonstrates that sumo transcends the realm of mere sport and is a cultural event that values history and tradition.

Where to Enjoy Sumo

Here we introduce places where you can enjoy sumo — venues where you can watch actual matches, facilities where you can experience sumo yourself, and places where you can learn about its history and culture.

Ryogoku Kokugikan (Tokyo)

This is the heart of the Japanese sumo world, where honbasho (official tournaments) of professional sumo are held. Several times a year, 15-day tournaments take place here, and sumo fans can enjoy the highest level of sumo. In addition to sumo tournaments, the Kokugikan also hosts various other events.

Asakusa Sumo Experience

This program is available in the Asakusa district of Tokyo and is popular with many visitors, including international tourists. Participants can learn basic sumo techniques and the tachi-ai (initial charge) directly from actual wrestlers and sumo instructors. Explanations of sumo’s history and rules are also provided, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of sumo’s cultural background.

This experience is recommended not only for those interested in sumo but also for international tourists who want to experience Japanese culture. As advance reservations are often required, it is important to check the official website for the latest information and plan your application accordingly.

Sumo Museum (Ryogoku, Tokyo)

Located within the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the Sumo Museum allows visitors to learn about sumo’s history, culture, and the legacy of famous wrestlers. With an extensive collection of materials and exhibits related to sumo, it is possible to experience the deep history and cultural background of this sport.
These venues are ideal for gaining a deeper understanding of sumo’s appeal not only through spectating but also through hands-on experience and learning. If you are interested in sumo, consider visiting these locations.

Summary

The traditional sport of sumo offers us much more than just a competition between wrestlers on a dohyo. It is a mirror that reflects Japanese culture, history, and spirituality. Through this article, we have explored sumo from its basic knowledge to its deeper appeal, and introduced places where you can enjoy sumo.

To know sumo is to know Japan. By studying the history of sumo, one can reflect upon the great traditions of ancient Japan. From the techniques and fighting styles of sumo, as well as the way of life of the wrestlers, one can learn various life lessons. Furthermore, watching at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, practicing at sumo experience facilities, and learning at the Sumo Museum are excellent opportunities to experience the deep allure that the sport of sumo holds.