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Archive for June, 2008

Female Sumo

June 4th, 2008 |

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Sumo and Female Sumo
Traditionally, Japanese sumo wrestling is strictly for men only and women were not even allowed in the Dohyo (wrestling ring). For a long time women were prohibited fro even watching Sumo contests because it would be desecrating the sacred Samurai ritual. However, in 1873 the ban on watching Sumo was lifted and women became great fans. Although women do practice Sumo as non-professionals and make up a large percentage of Sumo fans, they are still not permitted to touch the dohyo that the professional male sumotori use.

As early as the 1700’s, women Sumo (“onna-zumo”) actually did exist in Osaka and was performed in connection with prostitution houses. Matches were organized between women and also between women and blind men. By 1744, onna-zumo’s popularity had reached Tokyo, which at that time was called Edo. Tournaments were even held at Asakusa Temple until authorities closed them down on the basis that it was immoral and by 1926 it was completely banned.

Because female sumo is tied to prostitution and considered more as entertainment for men, it is not considered a real sport in Japan and you can easily offend sumo purists if you mention it.

Female Sumo has had a recent boost because one of the conditions to be included as an Olympic sport is that is must have participants who are both male and female and it may be a trial sport at the 2008 Olympics.

Championships are organized in three categories (instead of one – superweight). The three female weight categories are: below 65kg, below 80kg and above 80 kg.

The main purpose of a sumo contest is to push an opponent out of a dohyo or to force him to touch the ground with any part of his body, with the exception of the sole of the foot. Sumo competitions are carried out predominantly in a standing position, which was considered the most aesthetic and noble form of wrestling by ancient Greeks. If you’ve ever seen a Sumo match you can soon understand that endless rituals and ceremonies are considered to be very important.

The sport of Sumo was established in the 17th century when 72 canonical Sumo techniques were written down. They are based on sacred “Shinto” rituals, which are performed for the gods. For time immemorial , Sumotori represented a small “selected” group close to the emperors.

Posted in Female Sumo, Sumo in Japan