In this article, you’ll gain knowledge about a unique style of pulling called sumo deadlift high pull (SDHP). This approach to power generation offers individuals and athletes a more effective pulling approach based on their hip structures and mobility levels.
As street fighting was common during the Edo period, sumo was banned until 1684 when charity events on Shinto shrine properties permitted its practice; at that point an official sumo organization was formed.
Origins
Sumo wrestling, Japan’s national sport, can trace its origins back over 1,500 years. Originating as a religious ritual performed at Shinto shrines to pray for an abundant harvest, the sport has evolved significantly over time into an organized form while still honoring Shinto tradition.
The Kojiki manuscript provides the first written record of Sumo wrestling dating back to 712 AD. According to its story, possession of Japanese islands was determined in an epic wrestling match between Takeminakata and Takemikazuchi – two deities representing wind, water, agriculture. Takeminakata prevailed, thus creating the nation of Japan.
Sumo wrestling was traditionally seen as male-only sport; however, recently rikishi have begun opening it up more to female fans. Takamiyama became the first woman ever to reach the top division during her time as an amateur wrestler back in 1970s; other female rikishi followed suit later, including former Hawaii-born Musashimaru and Konishiki as former Yokozunas; with Asashoryu currently being one.
Heian period (794 to 1185 AD), Sumo emerged as an artistic spectacle with clearly established rules and evolved into a fighting sport with no intention of fighting to the death. Instead, its purpose became more about showing strength, power and beauty than being directly combative.
Sumo evolved from ceremonial sports for nobility into professional competition in the 17th century, evolving from ceremonial sports for nobles into professional competition. Today’s Sumo matches feature elaborate pre-bout ceremonies held within a dohyo wrestling ring called dohyo; during these ceremonies the referee (gyoji) wears traditional Japanese attire while carrying sacred bamboo staffs; the dohyo floor is covered with white sand to symbolize purity, its canopy displays four tassels representing seasons- white for autumn season, black winter winter, green springtime and red summer! Additionally rice is buried inside this circle while the referee offers prayers of safety before each bout begins.
Rules
Sumo wrestling’s rules are straightforward: to win, a wrestler must either push their opponent out of a 15-foot-diameter ring (dohyo), or make him touch any part of his body other than their feet with any part. A bout may not involve punching, gouging, kicking or other hard techniques such as pulling, slapping or tripping an opponent; any contact below the belt disqualifies him immediately.
Before each match begins, two rikishi (wrestlers) perform an elaborate cleansing ceremony to cleanse themselves and their environment. Clapping their hands with palms up, just as devout Japanese do at Shinto shrines, stamping their right feet three times, and shouting out “Banzan!” are among many rituals performed to purge themselves and purify their environment of any evil spirits or harmful influences. Finally, throwing salt into their dohyo marks this sacred space as sacred.
When the actual fight begins, each wrestler attempts to push or grapple their opponent off of the dohyo and onto it. The first rikishi who makes his opponent touch the ground or force him out is declared victorious; those not winning within their given time limit will be disqualified.
The Japan Sumo Association oversees the professional side of sumo wrestling, and enforces a stringent code of conduct for its wrestlers. For example, they prohibit wrestlers from driving due to being too large. Most stables are located in Tokyo’s Ryogoku district and tour operators offer stable tours as well as opportunities to witness practice sessions – however be warned: these sessions tend to be overcrowded and less authentic with most of the action taking place outside the ring!
Techniques
Sumo involves two rikishi wrestlers called dohy in a circular ring covered with salt to symbolize purification, with each wrestler entering by performing rituals that honor Shinto deities. At the conclusion of each match, one is declared the victor and each of them bow formally towards their opponent – some rituals even have religious roots! Originally, sumo was intended as a way of entertaining kami spirits; many rituals still bear religious connotations today.
Rikishi can win matches by pushing or throwing their opponent out of the ring, using techniques such as pushing, thrusting and tsuppari (locking arms or legs of opponents). Some rikishi also employ tactics from judo in their matches – using any combination of pushing, thrusting and locking an opponent’s arms or legs against them to secure victory. Although Japan Sumo Association recognizes 82 “kimarite,” or winning techniques; most victories can be accomplished using just several dozen of them.
There are multiple techniques used in sumo matches, and understanding these techniques is essential for fans of the sport. One way to force an opponent out of the ring is known as uwatenage – where an attacker turns their body against their defender and throws him onto their back – or another method called koshinage where an attacker wraps their arm around their opponent’s outside grasping arm and pulls down from them.
Not like other wrestling sports that allow both genders to participate, sumo is exclusively male-oriented. Regulated by the Japanese Sumo Association and overseen by referees known as gyoji, matches are overseen by Japanese Sumo Association officials who manage rules of game as well as perform various rituals before announcing winners. Only successful amateur wrestlers qualify to enter professional sumo tournaments – based on their amateur success level they may be classified either makushita or sandanme depending on professional success levels in order to enter professional competition.
Weight gain
At first glance, sumo wrestling may appear like an absurd sport with large men wearing giant thongs shoving each other around a small ring. But look deeper and you will discover a highly technical martial art with centuries of history and dedicated practitioners.
Sumo wrestlers’ massive size can be attributed to their diet: skipping breakfast and starving for approximately 10-15 hours prior to eating two massive meals at once – this triggers “starvation mode” in their bodies and kickstarts fat storage hormones into overdrive. Furthermore, sumos consume massive quantities of calories with their traditional meal of Chanko-nabe (a stew made up of various meats, rice and vegetables) along with beer as part of traditional Japanese meal rituals.
Sumo wrestlers require maintaining a higher bodyweight, yet this practice can have negative health repercussions. Excess weight can increase one’s risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, joint issues and lead to sedentary lifestyles; additionally wrestlers face mental strain in managing their weight constantly which may result in disordered eating patterns and psychological issues.
Sumo wrestlers remain remarkable healthily. Their bodies tend to store fat beneath the skin instead of around their abdomens. Furthermore, their normal levels of triglycerides and cholesterol significantly reduce risk for heart disease.
Competitions
Professional sumo is an enthralling sport, pitting physically massive men against one another in an exquisite game of grappling and wrestling. Two rikishi (wrestlers) wearing nothing more than their loincloth face off against each other inside a dohyo (circular ring). Whoever forces his opponent onto the ground or pushes them out is declared the victor, to cheers and claps from spectators alike as tension builds throughout each bout.
Sumo wrestling, with its long history and frequent scandals ranging from match-fixing and hazing, remains popular across the globe despite these negative headlines. Fans from every continent continue to follow it and enjoy watching this ancient art form.
The July tournament is one of six Grand Sumo tournaments held each year in Japan. In Makuuchi (top division) there are five ranks, starting with yokozuna at the pinnacle and followed by Ozeki, Sekiwake, Komusubi, and Maegashira as further subcategories. Wrestlers’ rankings in these tournaments determine their fate as Grand Sumo wrestlers.
Wrestlers from numerous nations participate in these tournaments, with 11 out of 42 makuuchi wrestlers being foreigners (Hakuho is from Mongolia while Tochinoshin hails from Georgia). Additionally, an increasing number of women are now taking up sumo wrestling – 22 have entered professional division.
Sumo wrestling has a storied tradition and the Ryogoku Kokugikan stadium offers much to see and do for an authentic experience. To ensure an immersive encounter, book a guided tour with an expert guide who can explain all aspects of watching sumo including its rules and etiquette as well as its history. Guides also take visitors directly into stables where you can witness wrestlers training – an unmissable chance! Additionally, multicolored banners adorning walk-up banners celebrate these athletes – creating a festival atmosphere outside!
