Bellinson Group Japan

Sumo Tournaments

Professional sumo is organized into six major tournaments, or basho, held throughout the year in Japan. Each basho lasts 15 days and takes place in various cities across the country, attracting thousands of spectators from around the world. The tournaments follow a round-robin format, with wrestlers competing against opponents from their own and other divisions. Points are awarded for wins, and the wrestler with the most points at the end of the tournament is declared the winner of their division. The most prestigious division, makuuchi, features top-ranked wrestlers vying for the coveted championship title and other accolades. Sumo tournaments are not only sporting events but also cultural spectacles, showcasing the athleticism, tradition, and pageantry of Japan’s national sport.

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Techniques and Strategy

While sumo wrestling may appear to be a simple contest of brute strength, it is, in fact, a highly strategic and nuanced sport. Wrestlers employ a wide array of techniques and tactics to outmaneuver and outwit their opponents, ranging from pushing and thrusting to grappling and throwing.

Weight Classes

Despite the common perception of sumo wrestlers as overweight giants, there exists a nuanced system of weight classes in professional sumo. Wrestlers are classified into various divisions based on their weight, with strict upper limits for each division.

Ancient Origins

Sumo wrestling stands as a testament to Japan’s rich cultural heritage, with origins dating back over 1,500 years. Initially emerging as a ritualistic performance to entertain the Shinto gods and ensure bountiful harvests, sumo gradually evolved into a competitive sport. Its deep-rooted connection to Shintoism is evident in the numerous rituals and ceremonies performed before, during, and after matches.