Sumopedia Season 1, Episode 29: Becoming a Sumo Wrestler

1

Yokozuna

The host presents some interesting facts and stories about Yokozuna, the top rank of all Sumo ranking which requires the wrestlers to climb up the rank by winning tournaments and being selected by the officials.

2 min

2

Tachiai (Initial Charge)

In sumo, the tachiai (initial charge) can have a big impact on the outcome of a match.

2 min

3

Techniques

Here are a few of the 82 recognized winning techniques used in Grand Sumo.

2 min

4

Gyoji

The gyoji plays several indispensable roles during a sumo tournament.

2 min

5

Chanko-nabe

Chanko-nabe is a hearty meal that builds the massive bodies of sumo wrestlers and gives them the energy to train.

2 min

6

Kokugikan

The Kokugikan is a sports stadium in Tokyo where Grand Sumo tournaments are held several times a year.

2 min

7

Dohyo

The dohyo is the sacred ring where sumo wrestlers face off during tournaments.

2 min

8

Rituals in the Sumo Ring

Before a sumo match can begin, several rituals are required to clear the air and expel evil spirits.

2 min

9

Mawashi

See what goes in to making the mawashi that sumo wrestlers wear during bouts.

2 min

10

Yokozuna Ring-Entering Ceremony

Learn the basics of the Yokozuna Ring-Entering Ceremony that precedes top division matches.

2 min

11

Rivals: Akebono and Takanohana

Flash back to the 1990s when the fierce rivalry between Akebono and Takanohana lit up the world of GRAND SUMO.

2 min

12

Prize Money

Have you ever wondered what's in the stack of envelopes that sumo wrestlers receive after winning a bout?

2 min

13

Gyoji's Attire

The traditional clothing worn by the Gyoji (referee) in the sumo ring play an important role in carrying out their duties.

2 min

14

Mono-ii (Judges Objection)

In cases where the outcome of a sumo bout could go either way, ringside judges can dispute the call with a "mono-ii."

2 min

15

Sumo Topknot

Sumo wrestlers stand out in a crowd thanks to their massive build, mawashi belt and, of course, their iconic hairstyle known as "mage."

2 min

16

Championship Prizes

Sumo wrestlers don't just win glory when they are crowned champion at a tournament. They also get their hands on a wide variety of prizes, ranging from cash to an entire cow-worth of beef.

2 min

17

Gyoji Shouts

The gyoji (sumo referee) keeps bouts in order with a lexicon that's exclusive to the sport.

2 min

18

Keshomawashi

Before top division bouts begin, wrestlers perform a ring entrance ceremony wearing colorful keshoumawashi (brocaded aprons) that express fighting spirit and individuality.

2 min

19

Sagari (Sumo Belt Cords)

The host gives an in-depth view of the long-standing history and the making of the Sagari belt cords worn by wrestlers during combat.

2 min

20

Bow Twirling Ceremony

After the completion of a day's bouts, the ritualistic yumitori-shiki is performed with a traditional bamboo bow in order to fend off evil spirits.

2 min

21

Foreign-Born Rikishi

Grand Sumo in Japan witnesses wrestlers from more than 20 nations and many of them have made their marks on the national stage.

2 min

22

Banzuke (Rankings)

Sheds light on the rankings in Japanese traditional sumo, called banzuke, highlighting the importance of rankings and how wrestlers can be affected by them.

2 min

23

Sumo Stables

Stables are where wrestlers eat, sleep, and breathe sumo.

2 min

24

Basic Sumo Training

Sumo wrestlers train their bodies through a strict daily regimen of exercises known as "keiko" to gain the speed, power, and agility needed in the tournament ring.

2 min

25

Putting on Mawashi

Learn all the twists and turns required to properly wear the mawashi (belt) that sumo wrestlers are famous for.

2 min

26

How to See Grand Sumo

Seeing GRAND SUMO in person is a popular attraction for visitors to Japan. Here's all you need to know before you go.

2 min

27

Yorikiri (Frontal Force Out)

Yorikiri (frontal force out) is one of the most common moves in sumo. The concept is simple, but mastering it is not easy.

2 min

28

Throwing Techniques

Get a grip on some of sumo's dynamic throwing techniques.

2 min

29

Becoming a Sumo Wrestler

See how an intense training regimen and a strict bulking diet transformed a lanky 80 kg 15-year-old boy into one of the greatest sumo wrestlers to ever set foot in the ring!

2 min

30

Kinjite (Forbidden Moves)

Using any of these forbidden moves in sumo is grounds for disqualification.

2 min

31

The Floating Roof of Sumo

The iconic roof floating above the GRAND SUMO ring has its roots in history, but it's actually an invention to solve a modern conundrum.

2 min

32

Rank of Ozeki

Ozeki is the second-highest rank in sumo wrestling, and although it is not the top rank, the wrestlers still face tough challenges.

2 min

33

Yobidashi

In addition to building and tearing down the ring for every tournament, these men do whatever it takes to keep the bouts moving along without a hitch.

2 min

34

Gold Star Victory

An upset victory of a maegashira sumo wrestler against a yokozuna is known as kinboshi, or gold star victory.

2 min

35

Salt Tossing

The act of tossing salt into the sumo ring before a bout is a purification ritual, but that doesn't mean that wrestlers can't sprinkle a dose of personality into how they go about it.

2 min

36

Leg Tripping Techniques

Although many sumo bouts are won through pushing and thrusting, sweeping the leg of an opponent can also earn a wrestler a trip to the winner's circle.

2 min

37

Belt Fighting Style

Highly-ranked sumo wrestlers leverage their strong grasp of yotsu-zumo fighting styles that target the belt of their opponent to win bouts.

2 min

38

Push and Thrust Style

Pushing and thrusting (tsuki-oshi) is one of the most basic styles of sumo wrestling, and it's also one of the most effective when done right.

2 min

39

Ceremonial Hand Gestures

Ever wondered what sumo wrestlers are doing with their hands after they've won a bout?

2 min

40

Special Prizes

A prize is given to any wrestler who has met criteria during a sumo tournament and is below the Ozeki and Yokozuna rank.

2 min

41

Dressing Room

Enriching the sumo experience with information on the techniques, traditions and famous wrestlers of the past. The rules may be simple but there is a lot more to sumo than meets the eye.

2 min

42

Live Sumo Broadcasting

Broadcasting of sumo wrestling on television has evolved over the decades.

2 min

43

Ring Names

Examines the meaning behind the names of sumo wrestling rings, which mostly originate from animals or locations.

2 min

44

Sumo Training School

Sumopedia enriches your sumo experience with information on the techniques, traditions and famous wrestlers of the past. The rules may be simple but there is a lot more to sumo than meets the eye.

2 min

45

Henka (Dodging)

The Henka technique is commonly used by smaller sumo wrestlers to dodge and quickly win when the match starts.

2 min

46

Higi (Self-inflicted loss)

Sumopedia enriches your sumo experience with information on the techniques, traditions and famous wrestlers of the past. The rules may be simple but there is a lot more to sumo than meets the eye.

2 min

47

Sumo Drum Beats

Explores how drum beats are used to convey messages about sumo wrestling, with different beats playing depending on the context.

2 min

48

Starting a Bout

Explains the different situations during the start of any sumo wrestling match which can result in matta or a false start.

2 min

49

Ring Entering Ceremony

Explains the basics of the yokozuna ring entering ceremony in sumo wrestling and the process of making kesho-mawashi, the giant white silk belt worn by the top class wrestlers.

2 min

50

Ryogoku

Explores the peaceful town of Ryōgoku, known as the home of sumo. Located in the area is the Ekoin Temple, which has been hosting sumo matches for centuries.

2 min

51

Sumo Hair Expert

Explores the traditions behind the hairstyles of sumo wrestlers, which are prepared by hairdressers called tokoyama.

2 min

52

Ottsuke

Explains ottsuke, which is a move in Sumo wrestling that can be used to parry the incoming attack and turn the tide of the situation effectively.

2 min

53

Tokudawara

Explores the story behind how people strengthened the sumo ring in ancient time by using special parts filled with sand called tokudawara.

2 min

54

Ceremonial Guards

Explores the role of the ceremonial guards, who accompany the wrestler to the sumo ring and help perform the ceremony before the makunouchi division begins.

2 min

55

Nobori

Examines the large flags called nobori, which are usually placed at the entrance of sumo venues to let people know when the wrestling is happening.

2 min

56

Yukata

A look at the material and story behind yukata, a form of clothing usually worn by sumo wrestlers during summer.

2 min