Sumo wrestling has been a longstanding tradition in Japan dating back to over 2,000 years ago between 794- 1192 (The Heian period). Myth has is the ancestors of Japan had to Sumo wrestling was initially for ceremonial purposes and slowly evolved into entertainment purposes mainly for the imperial family. Due to its long history, it is considered the national sport of Japan and is open for the public to watch and enjoy.
Normally, sumo wrestlers are as much as 330 pounds. They eat an average of up to 20,000 calories per day. They wear whats called a Mawashi- a lioncloth that is around 10 yards long and 2 feet wide. They are folded into six and heavy silks are wrapped around the wrestler’s waist four to seven times.
The traditional sumo wrestling hairstyle is in a style that looks like a man bun. It is oiled back and shaped into a ginko leaf. It also provides some cushioning for their head when they fall.
The ring they wrestle in is called a dohyo and is about 18 x 18 feet and two feet high. The diameter of the ring is 15 feet.
The rules are that there are no eye gouging, hair pulling, hitting with closed fists, and kicking the chest or abdomen. Also taking hold of part of the mawashi is also not allowed. In order to win the game the sumo wrestler also known as the rikshi must get the other wrestler to touch the ground in the circle with any part of the body other than feet, including hair loses.
Sumo wrestling is now associated with scandal dating back to 2007 when a teenage recruit was killed during a violent training session. Later four wrestlers were arrested for weed usage. One of the biggest sumo stars had to step down after over drinking and getting involved in a brawl.
There have been connections between Japanese gangsters called Yakuza and sumo wrestlers. Yakuza have had the ability to force sumo wrestlers to forfeit the game or intentionally lose in the game in order to make lots of money.
Sumo wrestlers tend to gamble on baseball and need money or associations to lots of money through Yakuza hence creating a cycle.
This happened in about 2010 and the sumo industry has slowly worked on bringing themselves out of this scandal.
Regardless, due to tradition and still a strong loyalty to the sport, sumo continues to be a popular sport among the Japanese people.
It is interesting that they seemed to be viewed as a part of history walking around wearing yukatas, traditional hair in greased buns, and the traditional Japanese sandals. They are put at a higher standard to represent Japan and continue the long lasting tradition of sumo wrestling.
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