Sumo wrestling is an ancient Japanese sport. It is slightly different from traditional wrestling. Shinto religion of Japan patronized Sumo. Sumo bouts were organized to appease the Gods. It had been a popular sport since many years in Japan. Sumo bouts include many traditional ceremonies.

Sumo was patronized by the royal dynasties. Sumo was included in the army training during the Samurai days. Sumo was the national sport of Japan during the Shogun days. Sumo wrestling rules are very simple. The objective of a sumo bout is to displace the opponent from the ring. Sumo bouts are generally brief. Generally, a bout is over within a few seconds. Hair pulling and strikes are not allowed. Techniques such as tripping, pushing, body throwing are allowed in Sumo. Concentration is intense in this sport and often a Sumo bout is won in the mind. Traditionally, Sumo wrestlers are heavy and strong. But with effective use of the mind and techniques a smaller wrestler too can topple a bigger opponent.

A Sumo wrestling ring is called as Dohyo in Japanese and is 4.55 meters in diameter. Sumo techniques have evolved over the years. Earlier, Sumo bouts were only over with the death of the loser. Sumo wrestling tournaments were held during the rule of many Imperial dynasties. Wrestling traditions are also prevalent in many neighboring countries of Japan. There is a striking similarity between Sumo and the wrestling techniques from some countries like Mongolia, China, and Korea.

Professional Sumo wrestling is quite popular in Modern Japan. Sumo wrestlers some of the most highly paid athletes of Japan. It is very difficult to become a Sumo wrestler. An exponent has to undergo rigorous training for many years before hoping to succeed as a professional wrestler. Professional Sumo competitions are held in Japan under the aegis of Japan Sumo Association. The Sumo schools all over Japan teach the young learners lessons in basic techniques, etiquette, and the history of Sumo. They are given a hectic schedule of rigorous training. It is the dream of the young recruits to emulate the feats of the Yokozuna. Yokozunas are the top rung of Sumo wrestlers. Professional Sumo champions in Japan receive cult status among the masses. The popularity of the professional wrestlers throughout the country is growing rapidly. It is because of the entertainment that a Sumo bout can provide to the spectators. Sumo is drawing the attention of the youths of Japan as it is a high paying career option. But the practitioners have to sacrifice a lot in order become a top wrestler. Popularity of the sport is now beginning to reach beyond the geographical location of Japan. A few outsiders have risen to the rank of Yokozuna over the years, thus creating interest in places like Hawaii and Samoa.