Sumo is one of Japan’s most iconic traditions, a sport that values courtesy and discipline. Among its rules, “kinji-te” (prohibited moves) play an especially important role. They not only protect wrestlers’ safety but also preserve the sacred cultural essence of sumo.
What Are Kinji-te?
Kinji-te are moves that must never be performed in sumo bouts. Wrestlers compete using the full strength of their bodies, but actions that are dangerous or unfair are not allowed. If a wrestler commits a kinji-te, the referee immediately declares a foul loss.
Historically, kinji-te were codified during the Edo period to preserve the sanctity of the dohyō (sumo ring). Even today, in professional sumo, they are strictly enforced under the Japan Sumo Association’s rules and are applied equally to foreign wrestlers.
Representative Examples of Kinji-te
Here are some of the most common kinji-te that even beginners can easily understand:
| Type of Kinji-te | Action | Reason for Prohibition |
|---|---|---|
| Punching with a clenched fist | Striking with a closed fist | To prevent injuries and keep sumo from becoming like boxing |
| Pulling the hair | Grabbing the opponent’s topknot | High risk of injury to scalp and neck |
| Grabbing the throat | Pressing the throat | Extremely dangerous as it blocks breathing |
| Attacking vital areas | Striking the groin or abdomen | Causes severe health damage and is unfair |
| Poking the eyes | Using fingers to the eyes | Risk of permanent injury |
Similar but Very Different Movements
Some legal moves resemble kinji-te. The table below shows the differences:
| Legal Move | Kinji-te | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Tsuppari (open-hand thrusts) | Punching with a fist | Open palm is legal, closed fist is foul |
| Oshidashi (frontal push-out) | Choking the throat | Difference is in the targeted body part |
| Throw techniques (uwatenage, etc.) | Twisting or breaking fingers | Throws are technique, joint attacks are foul |
| Harite (slap with open palm to face) | Poking the eyes | Open-hand slap is legal, fingers to eyes are foul |
Historical and Cultural Background of Kinji-te
Sumo originated as a Shinto ritual, and the dohyō has always been considered sacred. Kinji-te are not just about avoiding dirty tricks—they are a system that protects the cultural essence of sumo.
By the Edo period, regulations to avoid dangerous acts were already in place, and in the Meiji era these rules were unified nationwide. Today, the Association provides a detailed list of fouls, making it clear to both Japanese and foreign audiences that sumo is not just a combat sport but a tradition.
Real Cases of Kinji-te in Matches
Throughout history, matches have occasionally been decided by kinji-te.
| Era | Case | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Shōwa period | Hair was accidentally pulled | Foul loss, even though unintentional |
| Heisei period | Throat was pressed during thrusting | Declared foul due to danger |
| Heisei period | Kicking motion to the leg | Match stopped immediately |
| Reiwa period | Eye struck during thrusts | Foul, regardless of intent |
Even unintentional acts count as fouls, so wrestlers must remain vigilant at all times.
Categories of Kinji-te
Kinji-te can broadly be divided into “attacking fouls” and “unfair conduct fouls.”
| Category | Examples | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Attacking fouls | Groin strikes, eye gouging, finger bending | Directly endanger opponent’s body |
| Unfair conduct fouls | Pulling hair, improper mawashi grip | Deviate from sumo’s proper techniques |
| Dangerous movements | Kicking, throat grabbing | High risk of accidents in the ring |
| Sportsmanship violations | Intentional stalling, unsportsmanlike behavior | Undermine fairness of the match |
Key Points for Beginners and Foreigners
For newcomers and foreigners, sumo may appear to be just a contest of strength. However, understanding kinji-te helps reveal the true spirit of “sumo-dō”. Watching with attention to the following aspects deepens appreciation:
| Focus Point | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Referee’s judgment (gyōji) | They distinguish subtle differences in movements |
| Judges’ discussions | Ensure fairness through strict review |
| Wrestlers’ awareness | They must avoid fouls while executing techniques |
| Audience reactions | A foul instantly stirs strong murmurs in the crowd |
Conclusion
Kinji-te are one of the most important rules in sumo, indispensable for protecting fairness and safety. Punching with a fist, pulling hair, grabbing the throat, or attacking vital areas are all prohibited and lead to immediate loss.
The existence of kinji-te shows that sumo is not just a sport but a living cultural tradition. By understanding kinji-te, spectators can enrich their appreciation of sumo. For beginners and foreigners, learning about fouls enhances the ability to see the beauty of fair and dignified competition.
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