RULES

In both pro sumo and international sumo, the rules are very simple: either force your opponent out of the 15-foot diameter ring DOHYO (sumo 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 currently recognizes 82 "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.

Sumo winning techniques (kimarite)

Here are just a few examples of common winning techniques:

YORI-KIRI (frontal force-out):  Get a grip on your opponent and push him straight out of the ring.

OSHI-DASHI (push-out):  Smash into your opponent, to knock him out of the ring.

UWATE-NAGE (outside belt-throw):  Get an outside grip on the belt, and flip your opponent down.

KOTE-NAGE (arm-bar throw):  Clench your arm around your opponent's elbow, to twist him to the ground.

TSURI-DASHI (lift-out):  Grab the opponent's belt, and lift him in the air, then take him out of the ring.

Watch our experienced, pro sumo athletes' actions on video clips like:

• Grand Sumo Los Angeles
• Sumo Training
• Discovery "Time Warp"