Different from watching Sumo wrestling on television, this highly-stylized sport viewed live is spine tingling and strangely appealing. Sports fans present in the arena are drawn into a unique ambiance and can far better appreciate the Sumo wrestler's fighting spirit and incomparable physical prowess. To further appreciate Sumo, a novice spectator needs learn something more about this ancient sport, such as its origins, rules and culture, as well as about the athlete's life and training. In these pages, InfomapJAPAN introduces the most pertinent particulars of Sumo wrestling in a special feature article.
According to Japanese legend the very origin of the Japanese race depended on the outcome of a Sumo match. The supremacy of the Japanese people on the islands of Japan was supposedly firmly established when the god, 'Takemikazuchi', won a pivotal sumo bout against the leader of a rival tribe. Legend aside, however, Sumo is an ancient sport dating back some 1500 years.
The winner is declared when his opponent has been forced out of the ring or when any part of his body including the 'Mage' (topknot allowed only to the highest rank) touches the ground. The 'Gyoji' (referee) judges the match and declares the winner. The winner of the tournament, in other words the 'Rikishi' with the best record of wins over losses, is awarded the Emperor's Cup following the last match of the final day. There are three additional prizes, the 'Shukunsho' awarded to the 'Rikishi' who upset the most 'Yokozuna' and 'Ozeki', the 'Kanto-sho' for fighting spirit and the 'Gino-sho' for outstanding technique.
'Grand Sumo' traces its roots back to the Edo Period (1603 - 1868) in Japan as a form of sporting entertainment. Professional Sumo groups were organized to entertain the rapidly expanding plebian class and 'Sumo' eventually gained prestige as the national sport of Japan. The present Japan Sumo Association (Nihon Sumo Kyokai) has its origins in these groups first formed in 1603; it presently holds six tournaments a year - Tokyo (Jan., May, Sept.), Osaka (Mar.), Nagoya (July) and Fukuoka (Nov.). A tournament lasts fifteen days with each 'Rikishi' (wrestler) daily facing a different opponent. The competition is conducted in strict accordance with traditional rituals.
Wrestlers are ranked according to a system dating back centuries to the Edo Period; they are promoted or demoted according to their previous performance. The eight wins of each tournament are called 'Kachikoshi' and the eight loses are 'Makekoshi', both of which affect ranking. There are six divisions in Sumo: 'Makuuchi' (fixed at 42 wrestlers), 'Juryo' (28), 'Makushita' (120), 'Sandanme' (200), 'Jonidan' (257), and 'Jonokuchi' (84). Wrestlers enter Sumo in the lowest 'Jonokuchi' division and, dogged dedication and ability permitting, work their way up to the top 'Makuuchi' division. Only 'Sekitori', wrestlers in the top two divisions are salaried whereas those in the lower divisions are regarded as being in training and receive nothing more than a subsistence allowance, in return for which they must perform various chores in their training stable. In 'Makuuchi', the 'Yokozuna', or grand champions, are wrestlers who generally are regularly in competition to win the top division tournament titles near the end of a tournament. As such, the promotion criteria are very strict. In general, an 'Ozeki' must win the championship in two consecutive tournaments (or an equivalent performance) to be promoted to the prestigious 'Yokozuna' status. It is a rank held at this moment only by the great "Asashoryu".
The wrestler sprinkles salt all over the fighting area, then facing his opponent performs 'Shiko' in the middle of the ring.
2. Chiri-o-Kiru
Sumo respect fair play.
3. Sonkyo
Toeing the mark posture.
4. Shikiri
Two 'Rikishi' squat and face each other in the center of the ring, crouch forward in a get set position while supporting themselves with their fists planted on the ground and proceed to glare fiercely at each other.
5. Tachiai
6. Torikumi
A violent initial charge towards by the 'Rikishi' against his opponent at the start of a Sumo bout.
7. The winner is decided by Gyoji
The referee judges the match and the winner declared.
- Sumo beya (room) - Over 'Juryo' rank wrestlers are allowed their own room. Under 'Makushita' level, Rikishi share a community 'Ohbeya' (dormitory room).
- Time schedule -
4:30 AM
Wake up
5:00 AM
'Keiko'(Training exercise) Keiko is characterized by 3 traditional exercises: 'Shiko', 'Teppo' and 'Matawari'. For 'Shiko', the wrestler raises his legs alternately as high as possible. During 'Teppo' opened palms slap continuously against a wooden pillar. 'Matawari' is an exercise in which one sits with legs spread as wide as possible.
8:00 AM
Prepare 'Chanko' - Special Sumo food preparation - Junior Rikishi finish practice to prepare 'Chanko' for seniors.
10:30 AM
Bathing Taking a bath according to Rikishi strict ranking hierarchy.
11:00 AM
Meal - Rikishi meal 'CHANKO' It is called 'CHANKO' whatever meal Rikishi eats. Some Rikishi refer to it as a kind of legal steroid. Sumo Rikishi eat 'Chanko-nabe' every day to build up strength. 'Nabe' means 'pot'. Popular Nabe is served in homes and eateries all over Japan, but Chankonabe, the Sumo version of this one-pot feast, can be found only in Sumo stables and specialty restaurants. In the Sumo stable, Nabe is the quintessential 'every thing but the kitchen sink' dish, perfect for junior wrestlers who must quickly concoct a tasty and filling meal on the table. In a Chankonabe restaurant, however, the meal, from broth to meat, is considerably more refined.
12:00 PM
Leisure Time - Ways to use and enjoy free time - Taking a nap (to gain weight). Playing TV games. Reading 'Manga' or Comic books. Individual 'Keiko' (training). Most Rikishi take a nap or practice Sumo.
6:00 PM
Meals To gain so much weight one would think that sumo wrestlers would be eating all day long. In fact, they eat but twice a day however their meals are gargantuan, equivalent to five even up to 10 meals for a regular person. There is scientific evidence to validate this practice as research indicates eating one or two big meals a day makes your body more prone to hoarding fat as compared to eating five or six smaller meals a day.
Height: Over 173 cm (68 in.) Weight: Over 75kg (165 lb) Rikishi has to physically meet the regulation in both height and weight to enter a sumo beya. Anko-gata: a Rikishi of large chest build with a high percentage of body fat Soppu-gata: a Rikishi with a rather lean body with lots of muscles and relatively low percentage of fat. "Mainoumi", a dedicated wrestler, was prevented from professional fighting because he was only 169cm, but he had silicone implanted under his scalp. It took several painful operations before he was the requisite 173cm, but then went on to become one of Japan's great champions.
The rank of the Rikishi determines the style in which his long hair is combed. The style worn by Juryo and Makuuchi is the more elaborate and is called '0-icho-mage' after the ginko leaf the top-knot is supposed to resemble. The lower ranks wear the 'Chon-mage', a plainer style fastened with paper strings. The hair styles are adopted from those fashionable during the Edo Period and have been preserved not merely because of tradition but for a good practical reason providing head protection in the event of falls.
In Sumo, a Mawashi is the belt that the Rikishi wears during training or in competition. For the Sekitori, the top ranked professional Rikishi, it is made of silk and comes in a variety of colors. It is approximately 30 feet in length when unwrapped, about two feet wide and weighs between eight and eleven pounds.
'Kesyo Mawashi'
Sumo has managed to survive with its formalized ritual and traditional etiquette intact making it unique among sporting events. Each day of the tournament immediately before the 'Makuuchi' matches are scheduled, the colorful 'Dohyo-iri' (entering the ring) ceremony takes place. Down one aisle in reverse order of their rank enters one team of Makuuchi Rikishi wearing 'Kesho-mawashi' (ceremonial aprons). These aprons, beautifully made of silk, richly embroidered with different designs and hemmed with gold fringe cost anywhere from 400,000 to 500,000 JPY (Japanese yen). The colorful Dohyo-iri is indeed a sight to witness.
Only Sekitori ranked wrestlers in the top two divisions are salaried.
As of July 2006, the monthly salary figures for Sekitori 1. Yokozuna ------------------------------------ 2,820,000 yen
2. Ozeki --------------------------------------- 2,350,000 yen
3. Sekiwake ------------------------------------ 1,700,000 yen
4. Komusubi ------------------------------------ 1,300,000 yen
5. Maegashira ---------------------------------- 1,030,000 yen
In addition to the basic salary, Sekitori wrestlers receive 'Mochikyukin' an additional bonus income, six times a year based on the cumulative performance of their career to date. There is also prize money for the winner of each divisional championship, which increases from 100,000 JPY, for a Jonokuchi victory up to 10,000,000 JPY for winning the Makuuchi division. Individual top division matches can also be sponsored by companies. In such cases the winner of the bout typically receives about 30,000 JPY net per sponsor. These bout prizes are called 'Kenshokin'. For bouts involving Yokozuna and Ozeki the number of
sponsors of the match-up can be rather considerable.
Rikishi of other nationalities
Professional Sumo is practiced exclusively in Japan, where it originated, but wrestlers of other nationalities also may participate.
Asashoryu Heya: Takasago
Date of Birth: 27, Sep, 1980
Place of Birth: Mongolia
Height: 184.cm (6')
Weight: 148 kg (320 lb)
Rank: Yokozuna
Last six tournaments: 78 bouts - 66 wins
Kotooshu
Heya: Sadogatake
Date of Birth: 19, Feb, 1983
Place of Birth: Bulgaria
Height: 203.cm (6'6")
Weight: 147kg (324 lb)
Rank: Ozeki
Last six tournaments: 90 bouts - 59 wins
Hakuho
Heya: Miyagino
Date of Birth: 11 Mar, 1985
Place of Birth: Mongolia
Height: 192.0 cm (6'3")
Weight: 153.0 kg (348 lb)
Rank: Ozeki
Last six tournaments: 90 bouts - 71 wins
Roho Heya: Otake
Date of Birth: 9 Mar, 1980
Place of Birth: Russia
Height: 195.0 cm (6'4")
Weight: 146.0 kg (321 lb)
Rank: Komusubi
Last six tournaments: 88 bouts - 47 wins
Kokkai Heya: Oitekaze
Date of Birth: 10 Mar, 1981
Place of Birth: Georgia
Height: 189.0 cm (6'2")
Weight: 158.0 kg (348 lb)
Rank: Maegashira #1
Last six tournaments: 90 bouts - 45 wins
Baruto Heya: Mihogaseki
Date of birth: 5 Nov, 1984
Place of Birth: Estonia
Height: 197.0 cm (6'5")
Weight: 172.0 kg (379 lb)
Rank: Maegashira #11
Last six tournaments: 61 bouts - 47 wins
Once you've decided your preferred dates, it's a good idea to reserve seats in advance by telephone. Telephone reservations can be made from the first day of ticket sales up to three days before the date of your visit. After making your reservation, you can pick up your ticket at your local ticket Pia counter, or at some convenience stores (family mart, seven-eleven, sunkus).
Upper level seats hotline: Tel: 03-5237-9310 (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM) Ticket Pia bookings: Tel:0570-02-9977 (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM) Inquiries: Nihon Sumo Kyokai Tel:03-3623-5111 (Japanese Only)
Sumo Photograph Museum A collection of photographs by a former full-time photographer of the Sumo Kyokai, displayed in a private garage.
Edo Tokyo museum As the name suggests, this is an exciting museum that gives a real sense of the history and culture of Tokyo in ancient Edo days. Also hosts some highly acclaimed exhibitions.
Nomi-no-Sukune Shrine A shrine in honour of 'Nomi-no-sukune', a legendary figure said to be the original founder of Sumo. Whenever a new Yokozuna is crowned, a ceremonial 'Dohyo-iri' is performed to honour the gods of 'Shinto'. The shrine also contains stone monuments to past Yokozuna.
'Keiko'(Training exercise) 
Meal
Leisure Time
Height: Over 173 cm (68 in.) Weight: Over 75kg (165 lb)
The rank of the Rikishi determines the style in which his long hair is combed. The style worn by Juryo and Makuuchi is the more elaborate and is called '0-icho-mage' after the ginko leaf the top-knot is supposed to resemble. The lower ranks wear the 'Chon-mage', a plainer style fastened with paper strings. The hair styles are adopted from those fashionable during the Edo Period and have been preserved not merely because of tradition but for a good practical reason providing head protection in the event of falls.
In Sumo, a Mawashi is the belt that the Rikishi wears during training or in competition. For the Sekitori, the top ranked professional Rikishi, it is made of silk and comes in a variety of colors. It is approximately 30 feet in length when unwrapped, about two feet wide and weighs between eight and eleven pounds.
Only Sekitori ranked wrestlers in the top two divisions are salaried. 
Asashoryu
Kotooshu
Hakuho
Roho
Kokkai
Baruto
