Sumo Wrestling: The National Sport of Japan - 2003-07-03

Many of us, when we hear about sumo wrestling, are likely unaware of the significance of this sport in Japanese culture. Nevertheless, sumo wrestling is the national sport of Japan and one of the oldest forms of martial arts. Sumo is about strength and power, as well as good behavior and dignity. At the beginning of a sumo match, each wrestler performs a series of ceremonial rituals known as 'shikiri-nahoshi,' and wrestlers are called 'rikishi.' Wrestlers clap their large hands together to attract the attention of the gods. They show their palms to their opponent to assure them that they are unarmed, and then stomp their feet to the ground with all their might to scare away evil spirits. To purify themselves, they throw salt into the air, wipe their bodies with a towel, and rinse their mouths with water. Once these ceremonial rituals are completed, the referee shouts 'tachi-ai' and the match begins. At the end of the match, opponents bow their heads in respect for each other. The losing wrestler exits the ring first, while the winner thanks the three gods of creation. There are over 70 different ways to win in sumo wrestling. One of the two simple ways is to throw the opponent to the ground, and the other is to push the opponent out of the ring. Champions in this sport gain their status not only for their great strength and victories but also for their behavior and dignity on the wrestling mat.