Sumo Rules & Moves

Learn the rules to the ancient sport of sumo and enjoy watching sumo wrestlers in the ring next time you’re in Japan.

In this Guide:

  • The rules of sumo

  • How to win a sumo match

  • Sumo wrestling moves & techniques

  • Sumo wrestling experiences in Japan

  • Sumo FAQ

Learning the Rules of Sumo

The national sport of Japan, sumo is both intensely physical and highly spiritual, with customs that appear inscrutable to first-timers yet with matches that are deceptively simple; two sumo wrestlers clash to throw one another out of the dohyo ring.

Despite sumo’s initial origins in religious ceremonies, the feats of athleticism transformed into a formalized sport by the Edo Period (1603-1867 CE), drawing in crowds of spectators from all social classes and cementing both the rules and sumo associations which continue on unchanged even to today.

Currently, 6 grand sumo tournaments take place every year, in locations like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, with sumo wrestlers separated into 6 ranked divisions. Roughly 650 sumo wrestlers actively compete at any time, but attention is mainly given to the athletes ranked in the top two divisions, known as the sekitori.

How to win a sumo match

While the pageantry and rituals that accompany sumo can be quite complex, the rules are relatively simple - simply knock an opponent out of the ring or force him to touch the ground with any body part other than his feet to win. A match can be won in a matter of seconds, with success largely determined by initial momentum; known as tachi-ai in Japanese, this powerful first burst of speed and power often proves crucial in cementing wins.

Sumo wrestlers start their match in the middle of the ring, crouched over two white lines called shikirisen. While a judge might give the signal to start, the match doesn’t begin until both sumo wrestlers indicate they’re ready; hovering over the shikirisen, each sumo wrestler will carefully watch the other, only springing into action when both hands are clenched in fists and make contact with the ground at or behind the shikirisen.

Within a sumo match, almost any type of grappling contract is allowed. Sumo wrestlers can grip their opponents’ belts, twist and shove, use inside or outside grips, and employ moves that are similar to those used in judo or other forms of martial arts, to successfully throw their opponents out of the ring.

However, the following actions are not allowed during sumo practice or competition:

  • Pulling hair

  • Hitting with a closed fist (using open palms is acceptable)

  • Grabbing the crotch area of the mawashi belt

  • Targeting the eyes or ears

  • Choking (pressing against the throat is allowed)

Winning Sumo Techniques

All the right moves

As the match ends and the winner stands victorious, the sumo’s winning technique is called out. Known as a kimarite, this announcement alerts spectators of the final move that clinched the win. There are over 60 officially recognized kimarite that sumo champions can utilize in each match, with each final move composed of different sub-techniques, such as gripping the outer belt (uwate), twisting (hineri), pulling down (hiki), and throwing (nage), among others.

When combined together in a single move, the kimarite might be announced like the following: harima-nage (rear-belt throw), hiki-otoshi (pulling down by the arms), and kaina-hineri (maneuvering and pressing the opponent down into a twist).

Learning to look for and recognize these individual winning techniques can help sectors enhance not only their understanding of the sport, but also the viewing experience when watching the match.

Sumo experiences in Japan

Get up close and personal with sumo wrestling at a morning training session. Watch these powerful athletes in action from the ringside, gain insight into their rigorous training methods, and cap off the experience with a chance to chat and snap a photo with them after practice ends.

If watching the sumo grand tournament and visiting a morning sumo session aren’t enough to satiate your curiosity, why not dive deeper with unique cultural experiences like:

Sumo FAQs

  • Two wrestlers face off in a circular ring called the dohyo. The match ends when one wrestler forces the other out of the ring or causes any part of their body other than the soles of their feet to touch the ground.

  • Sumo matches are typically very short, often lasting only a few seconds. However, some matches can go longer, depending on the wrestlers' tactics and endurance.

  • Sumo wrestlers wear a traditional loincloth called a mawashi. This garment is essential for the sport, and wrestlers are only allowed to grab the mawashi during matches.

  • No, sumo does not have weight classes. No matter how small and light a rikishi may be, he fights any scheduled opponent, regardless of weight difference.

  • Some common sumo wrestling moves include:

    • Oshidashi: Pushing the opponent out of the ring

    • Yorikiri: Grabbing the opponent’s belt and forcing them out

    • Uwatenage: Throwing the opponent using an overarm grip on their belt

    • Shitatenage: Throwing the opponent using an underarm grip on their belt

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