The sumo: between tradition, myths and combat sport

Sumo is much more than just a sport in Japan. It embodies a thousand-year tradition that draws its origins from the country’s myths and legends. Originally practiced as a sacred ritual, it has evolved over the centuries to become a popular spectacle and a codified sport. Today, the sumo continues to fascinate, mixing strength, discipline and ancestral ceremonies.

The origins of the sumo: sacred myths and rituals

Sumo finds its roots in ancient Japan. From the Kofun period (III – 7th century), figurines of wrestlers were found, attesting to the practice of this type of combat long before it was formalized as a sport.

The first stories evoking the sumo appear in theKojiki(712) andNihonshoki(720), two of Japan’s oldest historical works. According to legend, the possession of Japanese lands was determined by a sumo fight between two deities. This spiritual dimension of sumo has continued through the ages: it was once practiced to pray for an abundant harvest or to predict agricultural yields.

During the periods of Nara (710-794) and Heian (794-1185), the sumo became an entertainment of the imperial court. Tournaments were held in front of the emperor, and the best wrestlers were selected to fight at these official ceremonies.

Sumo and samurai: a training in combat

With the emergence of the samurai class from the 12th century, sumo took on a new dimension. Physical strength and combat control are essential qualities for warriors, so many samurai families used sumo wrestlers as bodyguards or to train their soldiers.

Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan’s most powerful warlords, was a fervent admirer of the sumo. According to documents of the time, he regularly held tournaments to gather the best fighters in the country.

Edo era: birth of professional sumo

The sumo as we know it today took shape during the Edo period (1603-1867). At that time, fighting was organized not only to entertain the population, but also to raise funds for the construction of temples, bridges or other infrastructure. This is how theprofessional sumo.

Tournaments were held atEdo (Tokyo), Osaka and Kyotoattracting a wide audience. To regulate the discipline and avoid disorder, the organizers set up a set ofofficial rules, including the codification of48 winning techniques (kimarite)and use ofcircular dojôwhich still defines today the area of combat.

It was also at that time that theSumo stables, where young wrestlers were trained according to strict rules. The discipline imposed on the rikishi (warters) reflected the rigor of feudal Japan, with deep respect for traditions and a well-established hierarchy.

The sumo today: between sport and cultural heritage

Despite the evolution of modern Japan, sumo has preserved its ancestral traditions. Many elements of the Edo era are still visible today:

• The wrestlers carry theUnemployment, a traditional hairstyle similar to that of samurai.
• The tournaments begin withshinto ceremonies, where wrestlers purify the ring with salt.
• The referees and coaches wear clothes inspired by the feudal era.

Sumo competitions are organised in thelarge arenas, includingRyogoku Kokugikanin Tokyo, which hosts the most prestigious tournaments. Professional wrestlers, who have become real celebrities, also take part in international tours to promote Japanese culture around the world.

Sumo is much more than a combat sport. It is a living heritage of ancient Japan, an art of mixed strength, discipline and spirituality. To attend a sumo tournament is to dive into Japan’s history and discover a unique facet of its culture, where respect for traditions remains at the heart of practice.

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