Sumo is a Japanese martial art and a form of wrestling that is deeply intertwined with Japanese culture, tradition, and spirituality. What makes sumo unique among other martial arts is its ritualistic and ceremonial nature, as well as its focus on strength, balance, and weight rather than speed or agility. In sumo, two wrestlers, called rikishi, compete in a dohyo (ring) with the objective of forcing the opponent out of the ring or to make any part of their body, other than the soles of their feet, touch the ground. The match is usually very brief, often lasting only a few seconds, as wrestlers use techniques like shoves, thrusts, and throws to gain an advantage. One of the most distinguishing aspects of sumo is its focus on sumo wrestling rituals—such as salt throwing to purify the ring and ceremonial stomping to drive away evil spirits—that reflect its deep connection to Shinto traditions.

Sumo has a history that dates back over 1,500 years, with its origins rooted in ancient Shinto rituals performed at shrines to ensure good harvests and seek divine favour. Early sumo matches were part of religious ceremonies and festivals, and were not initially organised as formal competitions. Over time, sumo wrestling became a professional sport, particularly during the Edo period (1603-1868), when it was formalised into the sport we recognise today. The first recorded sumo tournament took place in 1669. It was during this time that sumo wrestlers began to form ranks, and the sport became more structured, with the establishment of rankings, official tournaments, and specific rules. In the modern era, sumo remains an essential part of Japanese culture, with tournaments held regularly throughout the year, and the sport is still steeped in traditional ceremonies and rituals. Sumo wrestlers, or rikishi, undergo rigorous training, and the sport is often seen as a lifelong commitment. Today, sumo has international recognition, with wrestlers from outside Japan, including the United States, Russia, and Mongolia, rising to top ranks.

Sumo competitions, or basho, are held in tournaments that take place throughout the year, typically in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. There are six major sumo tournaments annually, each lasting 15 days, where sumo wrestlers compete against each other in a round-robin style, facing off once per day. Competitors are ranked in a hierarchy, with the highest rank being Yokozuna (grand champion), followed by other ranks such as Ozeki, Sekiwake, and Maegashira. Wrestlers are judged on their performance throughout the tournament, and those with the best records (most victories) are awarded promotions or retained in higher ranks, while those with poor records may be demoted. The ultimate goal of the tournament is to win the title of champion, and wrestlers with winning records are often celebrated for their skill, technique, and mastery of sumo's unique strategies. Additionally, there are ceremonial aspects of sumo that occur before the matches, such as the purification of the ring and the rikishi’s entrance ceremony, adding to the cultural and spiritual significance of the sport.