The Terminology

The official hierarchy of professional sumo wrestlers (rikishi), listed on an elaborate hand-written document before each tournament.

The staple diet of sumo wrestlers. A protein-rich stew containing meat, fish, and vegetables, eaten in large quantities to build mass.

The sacred ring where bouts take place. Made of specific clay and rice straw bales (tawara), it represents a purified space. The roof above (tsuriyane) resembles a Shinto shrine roof.

Wrestlers must wear traditional Japanese clothing (yukata or kimono) in public. The quality of the garment depends on their rank.

The war fan used by the Gyoji to signal the winner of a bout.

The referee. Clad in elaborate silk outfits based on medieval court drass, they carry a gunbai (war fan) to signal the winner. They also carry a dagger, symbolizing their willingness to commit seppuku if they make a grave error (symbolically).

The stable where wrestlers live and train together. It is a strict hierarchical community.

The six official professional sumo tournaments held annually across Japan. Each lasts 15 days and is where official rankings are determined.

Prize money banners paraded before popular bouts by corporate sponsors.

The ornate, embroidered ceremonial apron worn by Sekitori during the ring-entering ceremony (Dohyo-iri). These often cost millions of yen.

Forbidden moves. Includes striking with a closed fist, hair pulling, eye gouging, or kicking the chest/stomach.

The traditional and communal way of life within a sumo stable (heya), governed by strict discipline and hierarchy.

The stiff vertical part of the mawashi that rises from the groin to the belt front. It serves as a stylistic knot and provides protection.

The topknot hairstyle. Sekitori (salaried wrestlers) wear the more elaborate Oicho-mage (ginkgo leaf style).

The thick waist belt worn by rikishi. For Sekitori (salaried wrestlers), it is made of silk (Shimekomi) and comes in various colors. For lower ranks, it is coarse dark cotton.

Before a bout, wrestlers toss salt (kiyome-jio) to purify the ring. They also stomp the ground (shiko) to drive away evil spirits and rinse their mouths with water (chikara-mizu).

Literally "gentleman of strength." A professional wrestler of grand sumo.

The cultural and religious origins of sumo, deeply intertwined with Shinto traditions and Japanese mythology.

The technical and ethical regulations that govern the conduct of rikishi and the outcome of a bout.

The stiffened silk strings hanging from the front of the mawashi. They are stiffened with glue and must be an odd number (usually 17-21).

The initial charge at the start of the bout. Both wrestlers must touch both fists to the ground simultaneously to start. Synchronization of breath is key.

The initial charge at the start of a bout. It is also the name of our state-of-the-art fighting game simulation.

The arenas that host the professional tournaments. These locations cycle seasonally through Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.

A wrestler wins by forcing his opponent out of the ring or making any part of his opponent's body other than the soles of his feet touch the ground.