Sumo (Japanese: 相撲, ) literally means ’striking one another’ and is a form of competitive full-contact wrestling. A rikishi (wrestler) attempts to force his opponent out of a circular ring (dohyō) or into touching the ground with any body part other than the soles of his feet. This is usually achieved by throwing, shoving or pushing him down.
Historians agree that the origins of sumo date back 2000 years; however, it never really thrived as a spectator sport until the early 1600’s. Sumo was originally performed to entertain the gods (kami) during festivals (matsuri). Presently, sumo consists of six major tournaments a year called hon-basho.
India too has a rich history (and mythology) of wrestling. From the traditional akharas that survive till date, with its pehelwaans of all ages, having naturally developed physique, practicing ancient techniques, unique exercises & a well known style accepted in Olympics. The Shaolin martial art and the Japanese grappling combat called Jiu-Jitsu are adaptations of Indian wrestling.
Sumo Wrestling was established in India by Shri Chandrashekhar Shinde through Sumo Federation of India which is directly affiliated to Japan’s International Sumo Federation and follows the rules as prescribed for the international bouts and its mandatory prerequisites. Thorough coaching of the fundamentals, the Japanese terms, the ceremonies inside the ring, the honor and traditions to be carried forward, are all inculcated in India’s sumo wrestlers by Indian federation’s coaches, referees and judges.
Sumo is a game of skill, not a game of size. With its techniques, a smaller sumotori can defeat a bigger opponent by virtue of skill, opportunity, time and positioning. This is not a game for the faint-hearted and it requires real wrestling prowess. The explosive strength seen inside the ring within split second of beginning of a bout comes from years of practice, effort and exercise.
Sumo Federation of India have camps and tournaments across India. They also encourage international participation. Reach out to them by phone or WhatsApp at +91 92246 59992. You can also email to federation@sumoindia.org for details.
Visit official website of Sumo Federation of India: https://www.sumoindia.org/
Why Sumo?
- Honor
- Tradition
- Culture
- Structure
- Combat skills
- Simplicity
- Speed
- Agility
- Strength
- Well-defined international rules
- Global participation
- Fastest growing sport in the developed Western nations including USA
- Opportunity to be the frontrunners in a teamsport
- Adapting existing wrestling or combat skills into Sumo training
- Discipline and Personal Development
- Health and Athleticism Awareness
In 1980, Japan Sumo Federation’s First All Japan Amateur Sumo Championships invited teams from overseas to compete. Then on, foreign teams participating in this event increased and in July 1983, Japan and Brazil established what later became present day of International Sumo Federation (IFS).
So as the Sumo Federation of India website says, Be More, Be Sumo. You too can become a sumotori.
And don't worry--no one needs to gain too much weight to play sumo. The traditional Japanese sumo wrestlers live like a monk in a monastery setting but international competition does not require any such excessive weight gain --though it seems to help some of the players to win of course.
Check out our previous review of the TV Series "Sumo Do, Sumo Don't" on Disney HotStar streaming media--(click here)--a group of college kids get stuck learning sumo and competing in sumo wrestling in their college's stagnating sumo club led by a female leader.
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Celebrate Indian wrestling and let us know what you think of wrestling as a combat sport by email to editor@TaiJutsu.art