Sumo wrestlers are among the largest athletes on the planet.
But exactly how much do these wrestlers weigh?
On average, a sumo wrestler weighs around 325 pounds (147.4 kg). But they can be as heavy as 500 pounds (226 kg) or more!
Unlike many other contact sports, such as boxing and wrestling, there are no weight divisions in sumo wrestling. This means one competitor can be much heavier and larger than their opponent.
Interesting Sumo Wrestling Facts.
Sumo wrestling is an ancient Japanese sport that originated from the Shinto culture in Japan.
It’s believed people took part in early versions of sumo wrestling as far back as 1,500 years ago or even longer.
As the national sport of Japan, sumo wrestling plays a huge role in modern Japanese culture. Many different rituals and special routines have to be followed.
It also attracts a large audience.
Sumo wrestlers, also known as rikishi, throw salt on the ground and add oil to their hair. Their hairstyle resembles a ginkgo leaf when they are competing in competitions.
They also wear a large loin cloth called a Mawashi. It looks somewhat like a diaper.
The gyōji, who are the referees also stand out thanks to their unique, decorative, silk outfits.
Sumo wrestlers compete inside a ring called a dohyo. It sits on top of a clay platform with sand on top.
A dohyō is made from rice-straw bales and measures almost 15 feet in diameter.
How Do You Win A Sumo Wrestling Match?
The rules of this sport are fairly straightforward. A sumo wrestler wins by pushing his opponent out of the dohyō.
A win can also be achieved if a competitor is able to make their opponent touch the ground with any part of their body, apart from the soles of their feet.
However, strict rules such as no choking and no eye gouging apply. A rikishi will be disqualified if they break these rules.
A wide range of professional competitions take place in Japan.
6 different divisions of professional competitions include:
- Emakuuchi
- Jūryō
- Makushita
- Sandanme
- Jonidan
- Jonokuchi
~ Fun Fact ~
Who is the heaviest Japanese sumo wrestler ever? That title goes to Ryūichi Yamamoto. He weighed in at a massive 584 pounds (265 kg). He is also considered to be the heaviest Japanese person in history!
Resources:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2080.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumo