Sumo Wrestlers

The art of Sumo practiced in Japan is a form of wrestling. Many rituals accompany this ancient sport, which has changed little in its 1800 years’ history. It was first performed for an emperor in 200 CE when the combatants were always amateurs; but for the past 400 years, the sport has been in practice by super-heavyweight professionals.

The objective of Sumo wrestling is to force one’s opponent to touch the ground with a part of his body other than his feet. Usually not very tall, the huge fighters often weigh ore than 140 Kg. Even so, the battle between giants is quick and dramatic. A match may well end by one of them being thrown bodily through the air. The incredibly strong masters of Sumo are enormous but they are also swift and not necessarily short. One unusual sumo wrestler in the nineteenth century stood more than 7 feet tall. A more recent contestant measured 6 feet 3” and weighted 190 Kg.

Thousands of spectators follow these battles of real life giants, for the Japanese are, and always have been, devoted fans of Sumo wrestling.