Sumo is a national Japanese wrestling.
It combines elements of martial arts, show and sacred action. Such a philosophical ritual, as a greeting before the fight, isn't seen in any sport. Opponents greet each other, gesturing to show that they came with pure intentions, without weapons, and are ready to show their superiority in a fair fight. The main components of Japanese sumo - it's spirit, technique, body. And one of the main principles of sumotori sounds like this: After winning, do not be proud; losing, do not be discouraged!
The platform for the wrestling of sumo (dohio) is a platform raised above the ground and resting on a clay foundation, the circle for wrestling is enclosed by bundles of rice straw, the ends of which are dug into the ground.
Two fighters take part in the wrestling. The winner is the one who will be able to push the opponent out of the arena or force him to touch the ground with any part of the body except the foot. Fighters come out to fight in a special belt, reaching a length of 9 meters and 80 cm in width, which is tied around the waist and between the legs, forming a semblance of wrestling trunks. Before the start of the fight, the wrestlers perform various ritual actions that have symbolic meanings: walk along the doha, scattering salt to cleanse the arena from evil forces, perform special sit-ups of siko. The scramble is preceded by the psychological fight of the sikiri, when, wringing their hands in fists, the wrestlers slowly converge almost closely and gaze each other intently (niramiia), trying to intimidate the enemy, and then begin the fight.
In general, the bout lasts from a few seconds to several minutes and is full of tense moments, which is especially acute due to the gigantic sizes of participants weighing 150 kg and above.
SUMO – national wrestling (Japan).
Composition of the teams – 2 people: 1 athlete, 1 coach.
Athletes older than 18 are allowed to take part in competitions. Competitions are held among men in the absolute weight category. In the absolute weight category a maximum of 1 athlete is allowed.
Competitions are held under the current rules of the International Sumo Federation.
The winner in the absolute weight category has the right to take part in the Great Nomad Wrestling.
Download: competition rules of Sumo