Sumo

Origin and rules

Sumo developed in Shinto ritual in ancient Japan and emerged as a professional sport in the Edo period of the 17th century. Two wrestlers, called rikishi, face off in a 4.55-metre clay ring known as the dohyo.

How it plays

A bout ends when one wrestler is forced out of the ring or any part of his body other than the soles of his feet touches the clay. Matches typically last only seconds, decided by leverage, balance, and explosive power.

Competition

The Japan Sumo Association runs six 15-day grand tournaments each year. The top division is makuuchi, and the highest rank is yokozuna. Sumo remains primarily a Japanese sport, though Mongolian wrestlers have dominated the top ranks in recent decades.