SUMO RULES

In both pro sumo and international sumo, the rules are very simple: either force your opponent out of the 15-foot diameter ring or make your opponent touch the ground with any part of the body other than the soles of the feet. Punching, gouging, and kicking are prohibited, but slapping and tripping are allowed. To a large degree, sumo wrestlers rely on strength and speed to push an opponent out quickly, or use balance and technique to flip, trip, or maneuver the opponent to the ground.

Pro sumo recognizes over 70 "kimarite" (winning techniques), divided into pushing/thrusting, throws, and other general techniques. Almost all victories, however, are achieved by the most popular dozen or so kimarite. Techniques are very important in sumo, since technical expertise enables experienced sumo wrestlers to defeat opponents who are larger, stronger, or faster.