What is Sumo Wrestling?

Sumo wrestling is a traditional Japanese sport that has been around for centuries. It is a popular form of entertainment in Japan, and it is also a competitive sport. The objective of the sport is to force your opponent out of the ring or to touch any part of the opponent’s body to the ground. Sumo wrestling is an incredibly unique and fascinating sport to watch, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years.

In sumo wrestling, two wrestlers, or rikishi, face off in a circular ring, or dohyo. The wrestlers wear a traditional mawashi, or belt, that is made of thick cotton and is about 20 feet long. The wrestlers try to push, pull, or throw their opponent out of the ring. The first one to touch any part of their body to the ground or to step out of the ring is the loser.

The History of Sumo Wrestling

The history of sumo wrestling dates back to ancient times, when it was used as a form of entertainment and ritual. It is believed to have originated in Japan during the Edo period, between 1603 and 1868. During this period, sumo was mainly used as a form of entertainment, with wrestlers competing in exhibitions and tournaments.

In the early 1900s, sumo wrestling started to become a more organized sport. It was officially recognized as a professional sport in 1909, and it has since become a popular form of entertainment in Japan. Today, sumo wrestling is a major sport in Japan and is watched by millions of people all over the world.

How is Sumo Wrestling Organized?

Sumo wrestling is organized by the Japan Sumo Association. The association is responsible for organizing tournaments, setting rules and regulations, and maintaining the dohyo. The tournaments are held six times a year in the major cities of Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

The tournaments are divided into two divisions, the Makuuchi and the Juryo. The Makuuchi division is the highest level of competition, and it is composed of the top wrestlers in the sport. The Juryo division is the second division, and it is composed of lower-level wrestlers.

What is the Ranking System in Sumo Wrestling?

The ranking system in sumo wrestling is based on a complex system of points and wins. There are six divisions in the sport, and each division has its own ranking system. The highest division is the Makuuchi division, and the lowest division is the Jonokuchi division.

The wrestlers are ranked according to their win-loss record, and points are awarded for each win. The higher the division, the more points are awarded for each win. A wrestler who wins more matches than they lose will rise in the rankings, and a wrestler who loses more matches than they win will drop in the rankings.

What is a Yokozuna?

A yokozuna is the highest rank a wrestler can achieve in sumo wrestling. It is a title that is reserved for the very best wrestlers in the sport. A yokozuna must have won at least two tournaments in the Makuuchi division, and they must have a record that is considered to be outstanding.

A yokozuna is respected and revered in the sumo world, and they are seen as living legends. The title of yokozuna is a great honor, and it is a mark of distinction that is rarely achieved in sumo wrestling.

Conclusion

Sumo wrestling is a unique and fascinating sport that has been around for centuries. It is a popular form of entertainment in Japan, and it is also a competitive sport. The objective of the sport is to force your opponent out of the ring or to touch any part of the opponent’s body to the ground. Sumo wrestling is an incredibly unique and fascinating sport to watch, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years.