History of Sumo Wrestling
 
Sumo Wrestling has long been a tradition of the Asian people.  The art of wrestling, known as Chiao-ti dates back as far as 1030 BC where it was a part of the official training for the imperial guards.  It was so well respected in these circles that it soon became a court amusement and tournaments began to take place in China in 107 BC.

Sumo wrestling dates back in Japan to about 250 AD where it was a part of the Shinto religious ceremonies (Shinto means the way of the gods).  Sumo, as in Shinto, was used as a way of determining the will of the gods and therefore, many times Sumo was used to determine the Supreme Races.

In 734 AD court ceremonies for Sumo began in Japan.  Elaborate events of entertainment took place in the courts of the lords.

In the 13th century, Sumo was considered a martial art and was used in warfare.  Sumo became a part of basic training.  However, military strategies soon changed and sumo reverted back to a form of entertainment.  This time period was the beginning of traveling Sumo Wrestling matches.

During the emergence of the new merchant culture in Japan, during the mid 16000’s, the few remaining lords and masters began “stabling” unemployed warriors.  The unemployed who were not recruited were soon performing “street corner” matches for coins.

This system did not last long and soon bans were placed on Sumo.  Wrestlers and traditionalists fought to keep sumo alive and convinced the local magistrates to allow controlled tournaments to take place.  This was the beginning of defined rings, defined holds and throws.

In the 19th century, referees, or Gyoji, began founding their own stables.  During this time Shinto traditions were adopted again, claiming the ring as a sacred battlefield and placing great importance on spiritually preparing the arena and the wrestlers.

Salt was thrown into the ring and dabbed onto the wrestlers tongue to drive away evil spirits.  Wrestlers also clapped their hands and stomped their feet as they entered the ring to attract attention to the deities and to show their strength.

Today, these rituals are still carried out at Sumo Wrestling tournaments.  Sumo is now the national sport of Japan.

 
Sumo Wrestling

Our sumo wrestling suits let everyone experience sumo wrestling first hand. The amusement arises both from the pre-wrestling psyching out and the wrestling itself. Crowd response has proven that women enjoy sumo wrestling as much as the men.

The opponents wear foam filled sumo wrestler suits and try to pin their opponent or push them from the ring. Sumo Wrestling takes only a few minutes to setup for many hours of enjoyment.

The Contest

A sumo bout is called a Basho.

Before a bout starts, the two participants should stand behind the white limes and face each other. In traditional sumo fashion, some pre bout psyching out takes place in the form if staring down your opponent and some liberal knee slapping.

The aim of the basho is to wrestle your opponent to the mat or out of the ring.

At the end of the bout the victorious wrestler can flop onto his fallen opponent to further entertain the laughing crowd.

Setup

Unroll the mats and lay them flat on the floor, in the proper order.

Secure the mats together by aligning them with the Velcro strips. Pat the seams together.

It is not possible for the participants to get into the suits UN-aided.

The easiest way to get into the suits is as follows;

Lay the suit belly down on the mat. The participant should lie face down on the mat and wiggle into the suit feet first. The helper is to then buckle the buckles on the back of the suit and seal the Velcro. The helper will need to help the participant to their feet.

At this time the helper needs to place the helmet and gloves on the participant.

Helmet and gloves must be worn to prevent injury!

There are no exceptions!

To remove the suit, reverse above procedure.

Safety

For your safety, please insure there are no sharp objects or furniture close to the ring area.

It is advised that there are extra people used as spotters around the ring to insure wrestlers don’t get too far out of bounds. As the participants will sometimes bounce or veer uncontrollably, it is necessary to have a large, open area.

It is also advised to use additional mats or padding if available.

Helmet and gloves must be worn to prevent injury!

There are no exceptions!

Please remember at all times the suits are not designed for serious fighting.

Persons with back, neck, knee or joint injuries, respiratory problems, or who may be pregnant, should not participate!


The Rules
 

Determining the winner

  • To win a Sumo Wrestling match you must force your opponent out of the ring or off their feet
  • zIf any part of the body other than the feet touches the mat, a winner is declared
  • zIf either opponent steps out of the ring at any time, a winner is declared
  • zEach participant should sign a waiver before the match
zLegal Moves:
  • y    

     Belly Bumping (most productive method)

  •  Pushing
  •  Pulling
  •  Lifting
  •  Having Fun
  •  Laughing at your opponent
    •
zIlliegIllegal Moves:
  •  Clutching
  •  Grabbing
  • y  Stepping out of the way of a charging wrestler


                                                                                                                     

 



 
 

Phone
(724) 335-6900
Fax
(724) 335-1710
Email
 info@aktentrental.com

© AK Tent Rental