Sumo - The traditional sport

I bet you’ve been heard about Sumo, or big giant guys wear nothing but a thong pushing each other. Are you still vague about it? Let’s find out together. Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport which involves many aspects of Japanese culture. For example, the sumo wrestlers throw salt into the ring to purify the ring as they consider the ring as a sacred place. In contest, two sumo wrestlers will push, grapple and throw each other inside the circular ring. The first person who is out of the ring or touches the ground besides the soles of his feet loses. As the nature of this sport, the sumo wrestlers focus on weight gain during their training.

Sumo wrestlers wear a loincloth called “mawashi” is a heavy fabric underwear. The opposing wrestler can use various maneuvers to grab and hold onto to gain an advantage during matches. Although a contest usually lasts a few seconds, the wrestlers have to be experienced in a range of rules and restrictions to get into it. They have to live at stable, where they live and train throughout their career. They are expected to grow their hair to do topknot and wear traditional custom clothing when they are in public space. As can be seen, you can easily recognize them due to their body size and all these spots mentioned above. Attending a sumo contest in Japan is a lot more appealing than it sounds, as dedicated Japanese style (as well as traditional style) seating make for a lovely afternoon.

For more information about all things sumo related, including ticketing and arenas check out the links below:

• http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/virtual/sumo/sumo01.html
• http://www.livestrong.com/article/483679-what-do-sumo-wrestlers-wear-during-a-match/

Schedules and ticket sales:

• http://www.sumo.or.jp/en/
• http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2080.html