Rules of Sumo; Simple and recommended to know before watching Sumo

The "dohyo" (Sumo ring) in the centre of Kokugikan Tokyo

It would be more interesting to watch Sumo if you know the rules. I would like to explain it here as simply as possible.

- The match is held between two "rikishi" (Sumo wrestlers; only men for professional Sumo) on a "dohyo" (Sumo ring) which is 18 feet (5.7m) square and 2 feet (66cm) high. The match starts in an inner circle a little over 15 feet (4.55m) in diameter.

Two Sumo wrestlers are doing Shikiri (the series of symbolic movements) before the match on the Sumo ring

The Sumo ring is cleaned and prepared by "Yobidashi" (ushers)

- A Sumo wrestler wins the match by either forcing the opponent out of the inner circle or having any of the opponent’s body, except for the sole of the feet touch the ground. 

The Sumo wrestler wins by forcing the opponent out of the inner circle

 - The "gyoji" (referee) who is with the Sumo wrestlers on the Sumo ring, decides who is the winner. There are also additional referees sitting around the ring and if there is an objection to the referee's decision, one of them raises his hand and starts discussion with the others regarding the result. Furthermore, videos are reviewed inside the video room. 

Shikimori Seiichiro who is the "gyoji" (referee) in the blue traditional costume is watching over the match. One of the additional referees in Kimono is sitting behind him. 

- There are currently 82 types of wining techniques which are called "Kimarite" and after each match they announce who won by which winning technique. 

Some "Kimarite" (winning techniques) explained in the pamphlet of "Nagoya basho" (July tournament) 2018

- Striking with fists, hair pulling, eye gouging, choking and kicking in the stomach or chest are prohibited. 

 - Unlike other martial arts like Judo or western wrestling, there are no weight limits. 

Ishiura on left is "Kohyo" (small Sumo wrestler) 174cm / 117kg and competes in the same ranking group Maku-uchi as Ryuden 190cm / 149kg on right

- The grand tournament lasts for 15 days and each Sumo wrestler competes once each day with a different opponent in his ranking group. The winner of the tournament is the Sumo wrestler who made the best record of wins over losses, during the course of the tournament.

The 70th Yokozuna Harumafuji won the September tournament 2017. The Emperor's cup is about to be awarded to him in the victory ceremony on Senshuraku.

 - "Banzuke" (Sumo rankings) are reviewed and Sumo wrestlers are either promoted or demoted depending on their performance during the fifteen days of the tournament. (You can check the recent Sumo rankings on Sumo Association website. They have the Sumo rankings for the September tournament and will release one for November tournament on October 29)

"Ebanzuke" (Sumo rankings by pictures of Sumo wrestlers) is a popular souvenir

- "Kachikoshi" (wins over losses; 8 wins for Maku- uchi which is the highest ranking group) is what rikishi are aiming first for each tournament. Then they try to win "jyuketa" (10 times or more).

If you have any question please do not hesitate to leave a comment or contact me.

Please contact if you are interested in watching any sumo matches with an English speaking Japanese guide who loves sumo.