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Sumo (Japanese: 相撲, Hepburn: sumō, Japanese pronunciation:, lit. ' striking one another ') [1] is a form of competitive full-contact wrestling where a rikishi (wrestler) attempts to force his opponent out of a circular ring or into touching the ground with any body part other than the soles of his feet (usually by throwing, shoving or pushing him down).
A sumo gyōji, the 33rd Kimura Shōnosuke [], in full traditional dress. A gyōji (行司, lit. ' administering things ') is a referee employed by the Japan Sumo Association, responsible for a variety of activities which concern the organisation of the sport in general and the refereeing of matches, as well as the preservation of professional sumo culture, deeply rooted in Shinto traditions.
Kimarite (Japanese: 決まり手) is the technique used in sumo by a rikishi (wrestler) to win a match. It is officially decided or announced by the gyōji (referee) at the end of the match, though judges can modify this decision.
Many ancient traditions have been preserved in sumo, and even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt purification, from Shinto. Life as a wrestler is highly regimented, with rules regulated by the Japan Sumo Association .
A rikishi (力士), sumōtori (相撲取り) or, more colloquially, osumōsan (お相撲さん), is a sumo wrestler. Although used to define all wrestlers participating in sumo wrestling matches, the term is more commonly used to refer to professional wrestlers, employed by the Japan Sumo Association, who participate in professional sumo tournaments (called honbasho) in Japan, the only country ...
Modern sumo wrestler Tochiazuma with an ōichō-style chonmage. In modern Japan, the only remaining wearers of the chonmage are sumo wrestlers and kabuki actors. [6] Given the uniqueness of the style in modern times, the Japan Sumo Association employs specialist hairdressers called tokoyama to cut and prepare sumo wrestlers' hair.
The first national championship for amateur women's sumo was held in 1997. The rules are identical to men's amateur sumo, with the exception that the wrestlers wear leotards under a mawashi, and the matches last a maximum of three minutes instead of five minutes like the ones in men's amateur sumo. [10]
The Japan Sumo Association relations between its members are primarily shaped by rules and norms related to the ownership and transfer of "elder shares" held by the association coaches. [44] These shares are known by several names, and can also be referred to as toshiyori kabu, [1] or elder stock. [45]