Sumo Wrestling

Sumo is perhaps the oldest of the Japanese martial arts. Evidence of its' practice goes right back to Nihon Sho-ki.

One of the Japanese oldest chronicles, written in the eighth century AD, mentions a sumo contest as having taken place in 23 BC.

In the ancient form, the purpose was to cause one of the opponents to surrender unconditionally, and killing was permitted.

Sumo was not a general skill possessed by the warriors for use in combat, but was employed only by chosen fighters. Representing various sides in a dispute.

The use of such formalized single-combat often avoided massed confrontations and undue bloodshed.

In time, a religious element came into sumo and fights were staged as an oblation to the gods, in exchange for divine protection. Wrestlers attained special social status and many were appointed as guards to the court.

In the "Heian" period, sumo became popular as a spectacular sport. Emperor Nimmyo ordered that it be regarded as a symbol of the nations' military strength. A little later in this period, the "bushi" or "warrior class" began to use it for combat.

In the Kamakura period, the military class transformed "sumo" to full battle effectiveness. Emphasis was placed on gaining skill in grappling from a standing position, as well as taking an enemy to the ground and holding him helpless. With the enemy subdued he would either be restrained for capture or he would be killed, usually with the sword.

And That's "About The Art"............

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