Originally, fights were arranged as a spectacle for the entertainment of the gods. Sumo can trace its origins back through deeply religious roots to the Shinto temples of the third century CE. The sport is one of the oldest in the world, stretching back nearly 1,000 years in its current format. Once ready, they crouch, breathe in a synchronised manner and clash as soon as all four hands touch the ground. Rikishi (professional sumo wrestlers) psyche themselves up, plan their attack and attempt to intimidate their opponent before they clash. They toss salt high into the air over the dohyō, ritually cleansing the stage, as applause rises across the auditorium. Immense 150-kilogram men, wrapped in loincloths and sporting stern faces, waddle into the ring, their bodies rippling. The chatter grows to a clamour as, from the corner of the arena, giants emerge. Spectators chatter eagerly as warm sake is poured into small cups. In the epicentre of the world’s largest city lies a grand stadium draped in ancient symbolism and brimming with anticipation as crowds pour in, settling onto their cushions as the dohyō (ring) is swept to perfection, as it has been for two millennia. Image: Lord K2 In this extract from Sumo by Lord K2, the hidden and immense world of sumo wrestling is revealed It can be dangerous to sit close to the dohyō as wrestlers frequently fall onto spectators. A rikishi loses a bout after his hands touch the ground.
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