Sumo Wrestling

Sumo Wrestling

Description
Description

Sumo is a traditional Japanese wrestling sport where two wrestlers (rikishi) face off in a circular ring (dohyo). The objective is to force the opponent out of the ring or make any part of their body, other than the soles of their feet, touch the ground. Matches are typically brief but intense, requiring a blend of strategy, strength, balance, and agility. Key skills include powerful pushing and thrusting techniques, as well as various grappling methods. There is no point scoring; a match is won by the rikishi who successfully ejects their opponent or causes them to fall.

Sumo is predominantly practiced in Japan, governed by the Japan Sumo Association, and organized into six major tournaments (honbasho) annually, attracting both national and international audiences.

History
History

Sumo, rooted in ancient Japanese traditions, began over a thousand years ago, initially intertwined with Shinto rituals. Originally a form of entertainment for imperial courts, it evolved into a public sport during the Edo period. As it gained popularity, formal rules and a ranking system were established. The sport's essence has remained largely unchanged, focusing on strength, technique, and ceremonial aspects.

Over centuries, it transformed from a religious ceremony to a professional sport, with stables for training rikishi (wrestlers) and organized tournaments. While modernization has brought changes in training and diet, the core principles and rituals of sumo have been steadfastly preserved, making it a unique blend of sport and tradition.

Future
Future

Sumo is adapting to modern times while retaining its traditional essence. With increasing global interest, it's likely to attract more international wrestlers and audiences. Advances in training and nutrition are enhancing rikishi performance and health. The Japan Sumo Association is gradually embracing digital platforms, offering wider accessibility through online streaming and social media, making sumo more accessible to a global fan base.

The sport is also seeing a rise in amateur participation worldwide, indicating a growing interest beyond professional levels. These trends suggest Sumo will maintain its cultural significance in Japan while expanding its reach and appeal internationally, blending ancient traditions with contemporary global sporting culture.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What do sumo wrestlers eat?


Sumo wrestlers eat high-calorie meals throughout the day that combine vegetables and protein to maximize weight and strength. An example of a typical Japanese meal for a sumo wrestler is nabe (stew or broth) filled with fish, vegetables, and a type of meat.

How much do sumo wrestlers weigh?

Sumo wrestlers can weigh up to 150 kilograms (330 pounds). In other to achieve this weight, sumo wrestlers need to consume around 20,000 calories a day which is 10 times an average adult calorie intake. Sumo wrestlers also need to maintain a healthy diet when eating so much so they can be quick on their feet.


What are the rules of sumo?

Two simple rules: if anybody other than your feet touches the ground, you lose and if you step outside the ring, you lose. Other than the two rules, there are rules sumo wrestlers must know before they enter the ring: no hairpulling or eye-gouging.

Sports

* Under Development *

6’8” | 2.03 m
514 lb | 233 kg
May 8, 1969
Akebono Tarō
203.000
233.000
1969.00
40000
GUIDE
3D
Akebono Tarō
6’0” | 1.83 m
278 lb | 126 kg
June 1, 1955
Chiyonofuji Mitsugu
183.000
126.000
1955.00
5700
GUIDE
3D
Chiyonofuji Mitsugu
6’4” | 1.93 m
333 lb | 151 kg
March 11, 1985
Hakuhō Shō
193.000
151.000
1985.00
22000
GUIDE
3D
Hakuhō Shō
6’7” | 2.01 m
467 lb | 212 kg
June 22, 1963
John Tenta (Earthquake)
201.000
212.000
1963.00
6600
GUIDE
3D
John Tenta (Earthquake)
6’.5” | 1.84 m
633 lb | 287 kg
December 31, 1963
Konishiki Yasokichi
184.000
287.000
1963.00
8200
GUIDE
3D
Konishiki Yasokichi
13.4”-23.6” | 34-60 cm
14.93’ | 4.55 m (Diameter)
14.93’ | 4.55 m (Diameter)
175 ft² | 16.26 m² (Dohyō)
Sumo Dohyō
60.000
455.000
455.000
16.26
160
https://p3d.in/e/U5xA4
GUIDE
3D
Sumo DohyōPerspective view of a 3D model of a Sumo Dohyō | Sumo RingPerspective view of a 3D model of a Sumo Dohyō | Sumo Ring
6’1.5” | 1.87 m
337 lb | 153 kg
May 29, 1940
Taihō Kōki
187.000
153.000
1940.00
5700
GUIDE
3D
Taihō Kōki
Sumo Dohyō | Sumo Ring
Scaled side elevation illustration the Sumo Dohyō with wrestlers and measurements

The Sumo Wrestling Ring, or the dohyō, is a ring used in the sport of Sumo and is traditionally made of clay and rice straw bales. There are two white lines, Shikiri lines, at the center of the ring to designate where the combatants position themselves behind these lines at the start of the bout.

The sumo dohyō is mainly for indoor sports wrestling events for wrestlers with a heavier set. The fine-brushed sand around the ring determines whether a wrestler has his body or foot outside the ring during a sumo fight. A roof structure called the tsuriyane is suspended over the ring.

The Sumo Dohyō has a diameter of 14.93’ (4.55 m) and an overall area of 175 ft² (16.26 m²). Sumo Dohyōs have heights between 13.4”-23.6” (34-60 cm) and platform widths of 18.7’ x 18.7’ (5.7 x 5.7 m). The starting lines, or Shikiri lines, are separated by 27.56” (70 cm).

Top view drawing of a Sumo Dohyō measured with length, width and diameter
The Sumo Wrestling Ring, or the dohyō, is a ring used in the sport of Sumo and is traditionally made of clay and rice straw bales. There are two white lines, Shikiri lines, at the center of the ring to designate where the combatants position themselves behind these lines at the start of the bout.

The Sumo Dohyō has a diameter of 14.93’ (4.55 m) and an overall area of 175 ft² (16.26 m²). Sumo Dohyōs have heights between 13.4”-23.6” (34-60 cm) and platform widths of 18.7’ x 18.7’ (5.7 x 5.7 m). The starting lines, or Shikiri lines, are separated by 27.56” (70 cm).

Top view drawing of a Sumo Dohyō measured with length, width and diameter
Sumo Dohyō | Sumo Ring
Height:
13.4”-23.6” | 34-60 cm
Width:
14.93’ | 4.55 m (Diameter)
Length:
14.93’ | 4.55 m (Diameter)
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
175 ft² | 16.26 m² (Dohyō)

Platform Top: 18.7’ x 18.7’ | 5.7 x 5.7 m
Platform Overall: 23.79’ x 23.79’ | 7.25 x 7.25 m
Tawara Width: 3.94” | 10 cm
Tawara Height: 1.57” | 4 cm
Shikiri Lines: 35.43” | 90 cm
Shikiri Lines Separation: 27.56” | 70 cm
Dohyō Circumference: 46.88’ | 14.29 m
Overall Area: 568.9 ft² | 52.85 m²
Surface Materials: Rice-straw bale perimeter; clay platform; fine sand surface

Birthday

Drawings include:
Sumo Dohyō plan, side elevation (sumo wrestlers)

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Taihō Kōki
Group of scaled height illustrations of various sumo wrestlers compared to Taihō Kōki

Taihō Kōki was a professional sumo wrestler from Japan who took home at least a championship each year. He also won forty consecutive matches between the years 1968 to 1969. Besides, he became the youngest wrestler at his time to become a yokozuna. Taihō possessed thirty-two tournament championships, including winning six consecutive tournaments in a row on two different occasions. These successes made him be considered among the greatest sumo wrestlers and a role model among children and other sumo wrestlers like Hakuhō. He preferred to win using the yori-kiri, while to grip rivals using the hidari-yotsu.

Taihō Kōki had a height of 6’1.5” (1.87 m) and wrestled at a weight of 337 lb (153 kg).

Series of elevation drawings of Taihō Kōki in sumo positions measured with overall height
Taihō Kōki was a professional sumo wrestler from Japan who took home at least a championship each year. He also won forty consecutive matches between the years 1968 to 1969. Besides, he became the youngest wrestler at his time to become a yokozuna. Taihō possessed 32 tournament championships.

Taihō Kōki had a height of 6’1.5” (1.87 m) and wrestled at a weight of 337 lb (153 kg).

Series of elevation drawings of Taihō Kōki in sumo positions measured with overall height
Taihō Kōki
Height:
6’1.5” | 1.87 m
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
337 lb | 153 kg
Area:

Nationality: Japan

Years Active: 1956-1971

Death: January 19, 2013

Birthday
May 29, 1940

Drawings include:
Taihō Kōki standing, stance, wrestling

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Hakuhō Shō
Group of scaled height illustrations of various sumo wrestlers compared to Hakuhō Shō

Mongolia's Hakuhō Shō has proven that sumo wrestling is not only a sport for the Japanese, but anyone can thrive in it. Born Mönkhbatyn Davaajargal, the professional sumo wrestler has achieved top ranks of the makuuchi division and yokozuna. His achievements include having the second-longest winning streak after registering most wins and breaking records in 2009 and registering similar achievements in 2010. He is a record holder in the list of undefeated tournament champions, standing at fifteen. He has also won thirty-three top division championships, breaking Taihō's long-standing record, and becoming a record holder for most wins and career wins in the top division. Hakuhō is also the longest-serving yokozuna in sumo wrestling history.

Hakuhō Shō has a height of 6’4” (1.93 m) and wrestles at a weight of 333 lb (151 kg).

Series of elevation drawings of Hakuhō Shō in sumo positions measured with overall height
Mongolia's Hakuhō Shō has proven that sumo wrestling is not only a sport for the Japanese, but anyone can thrive in it. Born Mönkhbatyn Davaajargal, the professional sumo wrestler has achieved top ranks of the makuuchi division and yokozuna. His achievements include having the second-longest streak.

Hakuhō Shō has a height of 6’4” (1.93 m) and wrestles at a weight of 333 lb (151 kg).

Series of elevation drawings of Hakuhō Shō in sumo positions measured with overall height
Hakuhō Shō
Height:
6’4” | 1.93 m
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
333 lb | 151 kg
Area:

Nationality: Mongolia

Years Active: 2001—

Birthday
March 11, 1985

Drawings include:
Hakuhō Shō standing, stance, wrestling

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Akebono Tarō
Set of scaled height illustrations of various sumo wrestlers compared to Akebono Tarō

While other sumo wrestlers only hold titles in sumo wrestling, Akebono Tarō, the American-born former professional sumo wrestler, also has professional wrestling titles. Born Chadwick Haheo Rowan, he rose to fame and ranking swiftly after joining sumo wrestling in 1988 thanks to the training of Takamiyama. Akebono is the first non-Japanese wrestler to reach yokozuna. He possesses eleven titles, with eight tournament champions won while still a yokozuna. As a professional wrestler, he was signed with the All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), winning the World Tag Team Champion, Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion, All Asia Tag Team Champion twice, and the 2015 Champion Carnival.

Akebono Tarō has a height of 6’8” (2.03 m) and wrestled at a weight of 514 lb (233 kg).

Collection of drawings of Akebono Tarō measured with overall height
While other sumo wrestlers only hold titles in sumo wrestling, Akebono Tarō, the American-born former professional sumo wrestler, also has professional wrestling titles. Born Chadwick Haheo Rowan, he rose to fame and ranking swiftly after joining sumo wrestling in 1988.

Akebono Tarō has a height of 6’8” (2.03 m) and wrestled at a weight of 514 lb (233 kg).

Collection of drawings of Akebono Tarō measured with overall height
Akebono Tarō
Height:
6’8” | 2.03 m
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
514 lb | 233 kg
Area:

Nationality: United States

Years Active: 1988-2001

Birthday
May 8, 1969

Drawings include:
Akebono Tarō standing, stance, wrestling

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Konishiki Yasokichi
Scaled height comparison drawings of Konishiki Yasokichi compared to other sumo wrestlers

Konishiki Yasokichi is an American born non-Japanese sumo wrestler and the first to reach the second-highest rank in sumo, also called the ōzeki. Though he did not become a yokozuna, the descendant from Samoa became a three-time top division champion. He was born Salave'a Fuauli Atisano'e and labeled "Meat Bomb" or "Dump Truck" for being the heaviest wrestler in sumo wrestling. Konishiki used a range of fighting styles, starting with oshi-sumo before a knee problem forced him to switch styles and use yorikiri. His inability to employ various fighting styles may have led to him not becoming a yokozuna.

Konishiki Yasokichi has a height of 6’.5” (1.84 m) and wrestled at a weight of 633 lb (287 kg).

Set of illustrations of Konishiki Yasokichi in various sumo poses measured with overall height
Konishiki Yasokichi is an American born non-Japanese sumo wrestler and the first to reach the second-highest rank in sumo, also called the ōzeki. Though he did not become a yokozuna, the descendant from Samoa became a three-time top division champion. He was born Salave'a Fuauli Atisano'e.

Konishiki Yasokichi has a height of 6’.5” (1.84 m) and wrestled at a weight of 633 lb (287 kg).

Set of illustrations of Konishiki Yasokichi in various sumo poses measured with overall height
Konishiki Yasokichi
Height:
6’.5” | 1.84 m
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
633 lb | 287 kg
Area:

Nationality: United States

Years Active: 1982-1997

Birthday
December 31, 1963

Drawings include:
Konishiki Yasokichi standing, stance, wrestling

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