Sumo Experience aims to give you a fun experience free
of the need to follow the dedicated lifestyle (and diet) of
the professional Sumo wrestler.

Common terms:

• Basho - a sumo tournament. (Great term, eh?)
• Rikishi - a sumo wrestler, literally meaning "strong man".
• Mawashi - the belt worn by the sumo wrestler.
• Kesho-Mawashi - a larger ceremonial belt with an apron that the top wrestlers wear to enter the ring. This has space for advertising!
• Yobidashi - the announcer.
• Gyoji - the referee.
• Gunbai - the Gyoji's paddle, a wand to conduct the proceedings.
• Dohyo - the sumo ring.
• Chikara mizu - water of strength, a kind of mouthwash.
• Shio maki - the salt throwing ritual.
• Shikiri - crouching and staring to intimidate the opposition before the bout.
• Shiko - the ritual stamping as the wrestlers position themselves for the bout.
• Matta - this is when the bout is stopped because of a false-start. In the real sport this is accompanied by a fine of 30,000 yen. (Now that's the price of honour!)

There are two mains styles of sumo:

• Tsuppari - trusting.
• Yotsu-zomo - trying to control the opponent by the grip on his Mawashi. (This could be considered as the equivalent of giving him a wedgie!)

For further facts see the links page