How to Learn Sumo Wrestling

Sumo wrestling is important in Japanese history, dating back thousands of years. A ritualized performance for the Shintu gods in earlier years, much importance was placed on custom and often used to settle court debates. Today, there are six tournaments a year, each lasting 15 days. A wrestler's rank is determined by the number of matches he's won. The highest honor a Sumo wrestler can receive is the Emperor's Cup. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Visit a Dohyo. This is a raised, circular ring made of clay surrounded by bales of hay, which is sanctified and purified by salt. The Rikishi, or wrestlers, must either throw their opponent out of the ring, or cause him to touch the ground with a part of his body other than the soles of his feet. There are 70 wrestling moves, and few actions can get you disqualified.
2. Enter a sumo wrestling school, which many potential wrestlers do as young as age 13. You must first pass the weight requirements, and prepare for an arduous, regimented training program that includes learning the traditions, moves, rules and ceremonies. The teachers are usually retired wrestlers, and the apprentices act as their servants.
3. Learn how to tie the traditional Mawashi, the thick loincloth, and only clothing worn during the match. Unwound, it stretches out to 30 feet. It must be tied very carefully and correctly because if it comes off during the match you lose. It is used in many moves as a type of handle with which to grab and/or throw the opponent.
4. Study the traditions, ceremonies and language of Japan, in particular those associated with Sumo wrestling. No one is allowed to become a Sumo wrestler without some knowledge of the language and an understanding of the Japanese culture. Before each match is an elaborate ceremony with rich, colorful attire. Each wrestler performs his own private ritual before beginning the match.
5. Begin the match with a "glare-off." Each wrestler walks up to a white line marked out for him and begins to glare at his opponent. This is meant to ruin the other's concentration and may last up to 4 minutes. At any time during this portion of the match, one wrestler may lunge at his opponent and grab him, thus beginning what is usually a 15 second wrestling match.
6. Keep your center of balance. This is the most important aspect of Sumo wrestling because without balance it is much easier for your opponent to grab you and throw you out of the circle or onto the mat. Remember that the leg muscles are the strongest muscles in the body and try to use these rather than the arms when lifting and using the other wrestling moves.