Sumo Wrestling

Much more than 'Fat Men' pushing each other

Sumo wrestling is a lot more than two big fat men trying to push each other over.

Yes, they're big, they're fat and they're even obese by medical standards... But Sumo fighters are a lot fitter than the average man in the street, whether in Japan, the USA or anywhere else.

Consider it this way: They were bred and trained for bulk and body mass, hundreds of years before steroids had been invented.

The origins of sumo are lost in time. Sumo is mentioned in early Japanese historical records from the 8th century A.D. In those days, the wrestling had very few rules and were often unarmed fights to the death.

In addition to its use as a trial of strength in combat, Sumo has been closely associated with the Shinto religion. Some shrines perform a dance ritual where the dancer wrestles ceremonially with a Shinto spirit or minor god.

Modern Sumo bouts take place in a ceremonial ring called a dohyo. The competitions involve long preparation, with several minutes of foot stomping and hand clapping - then usually a head-on clash which is over in seconds.

The first man to touch the ground with any part of his body except his feet loses. And if he is pushed outside of the ring he loses too.

Sumo wrestlers are instantly recognisable by their long hair with its Samurai topknot, and by the traditional Japanese gown and high wooden clog shoes which they wear in public.

Professional Sumo is a highly-controlled and severely disciplined way of life. The men exercise to build body mass and stretch for flexibility.

They eat a special diet and they always sleep after lunch. This is designed to increase their body weight.

A successful Sumo is seen as very desirable catch to Japanese women, though their large body size would have to restrict their activities in the bedroom.

Many Sumos die early due to heart and other health problems caused by their large body weight.