sumo_wrestling_en

Trivia

What Is Kabai-te? The Aesthetics Beyond Victory and Defeat in Sumo

For many first-time spectators, sumo appears to be only about power, technique, and victory. Yet there exists a subtle tradition called “kabai-te,” where the winning wrestler protects his opponent by placing his hand down first. This unique practice highlights that sumo is not only a sport but also a philosophy of courtesy and respect deeply rooted in Japanese tradition.
Introduction

What is Higi? Explaining the Special Form of Victory and Defeat that Makes Watching Sumo Even More Enjoyable

Sumo matches are not always decided by techniques alone. Learning about Higi expands your perspective and helps you enjoy the unexpected moments of the sport. For beginners and foreign fans, Higi serves as an entry point to a deeper understanding of sumo.
Trivia

Understanding Sumo Hierarchy A World Where Entry Order and Ranking Decide Status

The world of sumo has a unique hierarchy that shapes life both inside and outside the ring. New recruits live in absolute obedience to their seniors, supporting them in daily life until they themselves grow into mentors. This article explains the system in a way beginners and international fans can easily understand.
Introduction

The Appeal and Secrets of Uchigake: An Easy Guide to the Foot Technique Favored by Skillful Rikishi

Among sumo’s many winning techniques, Uchigake stands out for its unexpected power and elegance. By using timing, balance, and body coordination, rikishi can execute this leg trip to achieve dramatic reversals. For those new to sumo, understanding Uchigake opens the door to appreciating the sport as more than just a clash of strength.
Trivia

Barefoot All Year: Why Sumo Wrestlers Do It and the Surprising Benefits

The reason wrestlers live barefoot all year round is deeply tied to stability in the ring and maintaining the sacredness of sumo. This article introduces the cultural and physical background behind this practice in a way that is easy for beginners and foreign fans to understand.
Trivia

Women Prohibited in Sumo? Female Wrestlers and Evolving Values

For centuries, sumo has been tied to Shinto rituals that considered the dohyo sacred, resulting in the tradition of excluding women from the ring. However, in modern times, female wrestlers are actively competing worldwide, and this has forced society to question whether tradition and gender equality can coexist in sumo’s future.
Trivia

What is Shizumemono? The Prayers Embedded in the Sumo Ring and the Meaning of the Seven Sacred Offerings

Sumo is not just about strength and technique — it is also a sacred ritual of prayer and gratitude. At its heart lies Shizumemono, the offerings buried beneath the ring. This ancient tradition, preserved through centuries, embodies the spiritual foundation of sumo.
Introduction

The Charm and Secrets of Shitate-nage: A Beginner and Foreigner’s Guide

In the world of sumo, shitate-nage stands out as a technique that is both simple to watch and profound to master. By grabbing the opponent’s mawashi from underneath and rotating the hips, a rikishi can topple even a much larger adversary. For beginners and foreign spectators, this throw perfectly illustrates that sumo is not just about brute force but about timing, balance, and refined skill.
Introduction

What is Teppo? The Essential Training that Builds the Foundation of Sumo

For beginners and international fans of sumo, teppo is one of the most accessible training methods. With its simple repetitive strikes against a wooden pillar, it holds deep significance in building both the physical and mental strength of wrestlers. This article explains its meaning, method, and benefits in detail.
Introduction

The Tsukibito System in Sumo: An Apprenticeship in Etiquette and Tradition

The tsukibito system is a unique tradition in the world of sumo. Young wrestlers serve senior sekitori, supporting their daily lives while learning about hierarchy and etiquette. This experience not only prepares them for their own future as sekitori but also plays a vital role in the preservation of sumo’s cultural heritage.