The object of sumo is simple:

1. Force your opponent out of the dohyō (ring); or
2. Force your opponent to touch the ground with any part of their body (aside from the soles of their feet)

The first fighter to step outside the dohyō or touch the ground with any part of their body (aside from the soles of their feet) loses. Fighters can use most techniques during a match, including use of their opponent’s mawashi (sumo belt).

Matches: From Start to Finish

Diagram: The dohyō (sumo ring), illustrated. For a printable guide, click here.

A quick breakdown of how a match works:

  1. Competitors enter from opposing sides of the dohyō, parallel to the yellow lines (the shikiri-sen, or starting lines) in the centre.
  2. To start the match, competitors crouch down behind their starting line and place both fists on the ground when ready to begin. The gyoji (referee) will shout “Hakkeyoi,” signalling the start of the match.
  3. The match finishes when someone steps out of the dohyō or places any part of their body on the ground (inside or outside of the dohyōi), aside from the soles of their feet. Standing on the green part of the dohyō is okay.
  4. Once the match is finished, competitors exit the dohyō from the side they entered and bow to their opponent.

Prohibited Techniques

  • Hair pulling
  • Punching
  • Striking the ears
  • Choking
  • Attacking the groin area
  • Eye gauging
  • Face striking or slapping (while slapping is common in professional sumo, we’re taking a community approach to the support and request that no intentional face striking or slapping be done)

In More Depth

As per the International Sumo Federation Regulations on Refereeing:

Article 6

  1. The gyoji shall signal the tachiai (jump-off) by calling out “Hakkeyoi!” (Get moving!) as soon as both competitors have simultaneously placed their hands on the dohyo and are completely still.
  2. The competitors’ hands must touch down behind the shikiri-sen (starting lines).
  3. If a competitor jumps off without waiting for the call, the gyoji must call out “Matta!” (Wait!) and start the tachiai again.

Article 7

  1. If the head judge considers the tachiai to be incomplete, he shall immediately raise his right hand and stop the bout.
  2. In the above case, the tachiai shall be begun again immediately.
  3. The decision on whether a tachiai was correctly or incorrectly carried out shall be left to the head judge.

Article 29

The actions of the gyoji are as follows:

(3) When the competitors go down into the sonkyo (squatting) position, the gyoji shall confirm that they have synchronized their breathing and call out “Kamaete!” (Take positions!), and take one and a half steps backward to stand with legs apart. He then calls out “Te o tsuite. Matta nashi!” (Hands down. Waiting time is over!) and slightly bending his knees, with arms stretched out a little and palms facing inward, initiates the tachiai and starts the bout with the call “Hakkeyoi!”

Video: Rules as articulated by the Japan Sumo Federation.

Video: Basic sumo movements as articulated by the International Sumo Federation.

Equipment & Clothing

Sumo Sundays hosts real sumo in Vancouver, no blow-up suits or costumes. When sparring during a competition or a class, participants wear:

  • Mawashi or sumo belt (available to use in class)
  • Mouthguard (recommended during class, required during competitions)
  • Comfortable clothing under their mawashi (we recommend a rashguard or cycling shorts — top and bottom, please)

Socks, shoes and jewellery are to be removed.

Video: How to tie a mawashi via USA SUMO.