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Sumo

What is Sumo?

Sumo is a traditional Japanese form of wrestling that has a rich history and cultural significance in Japan. It involves two wrestlers, known as rikishi, who compete in a circular ring called a dohyo. The objective of the match is to force the opponent out of the ring or to make any part of their body other than the soles of their feet touch the ground.

Sumo has a number of rituals and traditions that are deeply rooted in Shinto practices, such as the purification of the ring with salt and the ceremonial stomping to drive away evil spirits. Wrestlers wear a distinctive belt called a mawashi, and matches are typically short, often lasting only a few seconds.

Sumo is also a hierarchical sport with a ranking system that determines the status and privileges of the wrestlers. The top division is called Makuuchi, and within this division, the highest rank is Yokozuna. Achieving the rank of Yokozuna is a significant honor and requires consistent high performance and demonstration of exceptional skill and dignity.

In addition to being a sport, sumo is also a form of entertainment and a cultural event that attracts audiences from around the world. Major sumo tournaments, known as honbasho, are held six times a year in various locations across Japan.

Related Article: Sumo: Pre-fight Customs and Rituals

There are no limits. There are plateaus, but you must not stay there—you must go beyond them. If it kills you, it kills you.
Bruce Lee

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Other Glossary terms

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