Episodes 56
In sumo, the tachiai (initial charge) can have a big impact on the outcome of a match.
Read MoreTechniques
Here are a few of the 82 recognized winning techniques used in Grand Sumo.
Read MoreChanko-nabe
Chanko-nabe is a hearty meal that builds the massive bodies of sumo wrestlers and gives them the energy to train.
Read MoreBefore a sumo match can begin, several rituals are required to clear the air and expel evil spirits.
Read MoreLearn the basics of the Yokozuna Ring-Entering Ceremony that precedes top division matches.
Read MoreFlash back to the 1990s when the fierce rivalry between Akebono and Takanohana lit up the world of GRAND SUMO.
Read MorePrize Money
Have you ever wondered what's in the stack of envelopes that sumo wrestlers receive after winning a bout?
Read MoreGyoji's Attire
The traditional clothing worn by the Gyoji (referee) in the sumo ring play an important role in carrying out their duties.
Read MoreIn cases where the outcome of a sumo bout could go either way, ringside judges can dispute the call with a "mono-ii."
Read MoreSumo Topknot
Sumo wrestlers stand out in a crowd thanks to their massive build, mawashi belt and, of course, their iconic hairstyle known as "mage."
Read MoreChampionship Prizes
Sumo wrestlers don't just win glory when they are crowned champion at a tournament. They also get their hands on a wide variety of prizes, ranging from cash to an entire cow-worth of beef.
Read MoreGyoji Shouts
The gyoji (sumo referee) keeps bouts in order with a lexicon that's exclusive to the sport.
Read MoreKeshomawashi
Before top division bouts begin, wrestlers perform a ring entrance ceremony wearing colorful keshoumawashi (brocaded aprons) that express fighting spirit and individuality.
Read MoreThe host gives an in-depth view of the long-standing history and the making of the Sagari belt cords worn by wrestlers during combat.
Read MoreAfter the completion of a day's bouts, the ritualistic yumitori-shiki is performed with a traditional bamboo bow in order to fend off evil spirits.
Read MoreForeign-Born Rikishi
Grand Sumo in Japan witnesses wrestlers from more than 20 nations and many of them have made their marks on the national stage.
Read MoreBanzuke (Rankings)
Sheds light on the rankings in Japanese traditional sumo, called banzuke, highlighting the importance of rankings and how wrestlers can be affected by them.
Read MoreSumo Stables
Stables are where wrestlers eat, sleep, and breathe sumo.
Read MoreBasic Sumo Training
Sumo wrestlers train their bodies through a strict daily regimen of exercises known as "keiko" to gain the speed, power, and agility needed in the tournament ring.
Read MorePutting on Mawashi
Learn all the twists and turns required to properly wear the mawashi (belt) that sumo wrestlers are famous for.
Read MoreSeeing GRAND SUMO in person is a popular attraction for visitors to Japan. Here's all you need to know before you go.
Read MoreYorikiri (frontal force out) is one of the most common moves in sumo. The concept is simple, but mastering it is not easy.
Read MoreThrowing Techniques
Get a grip on some of sumo's dynamic throwing techniques.
Read MoreSee how an intense training regimen and a strict bulking diet transformed a lanky 80 kg 15-year-old boy into one of the greatest sumo wrestlers to ever set foot in the ring!
Read MoreUsing any of these forbidden moves in sumo is grounds for disqualification.
Read MoreThe iconic roof floating above the GRAND SUMO ring has its roots in history, but it's actually an invention to solve a modern conundrum.
Read MoreRank of Ozeki
Ozeki is the second-highest rank in sumo wrestling, and although it is not the top rank, the wrestlers still face tough challenges.
Read MoreGold Star Victory
An upset victory of a maegashira sumo wrestler against a yokozuna is known as kinboshi, or gold star victory.
Read MoreSalt Tossing
The act of tossing salt into the sumo ring before a bout is a purification ritual, but that doesn't mean that wrestlers can't sprinkle a dose of personality into how they go about it.
Read MoreLeg Tripping Techniques
Although many sumo bouts are won through pushing and thrusting, sweeping the leg of an opponent can also earn a wrestler a trip to the winner's circle.
Read MoreBelt Fighting Style
Highly-ranked sumo wrestlers leverage their strong grasp of yotsu-zumo fighting styles that target the belt of their opponent to win bouts.
Read MorePushing and thrusting (tsuki-oshi) is one of the most basic styles of sumo wrestling, and it's also one of the most effective when done right.
Read MoreCeremonial Hand Gestures
Ever wondered what sumo wrestlers are doing with their hands after they've won a bout?
Read MoreSpecial Prizes
A prize is given to any wrestler who has met criteria during a sumo tournament and is below the Ozeki and Yokozuna rank.
Read MoreDressing Room
Enriching the sumo experience with information on the techniques, traditions and famous wrestlers of the past. The rules may be simple but there is a lot more to sumo than meets the eye.
Read MoreLive Sumo Broadcasting
Broadcasting of sumo wrestling on television has evolved over the decades.
Read MoreRing Names
Examines the meaning behind the names of sumo wrestling rings, which mostly originate from animals or locations.
Read MoreSumo Training School
Sumopedia enriches your sumo experience with information on the techniques, traditions and famous wrestlers of the past. The rules may be simple but there is a lot more to sumo than meets the eye.
Read MoreHenka (Dodging)
The Henka technique is commonly used by smaller sumo wrestlers to dodge and quickly win when the match starts.
Read MoreSumopedia enriches your sumo experience with information on the techniques, traditions and famous wrestlers of the past. The rules may be simple but there is a lot more to sumo than meets the eye.
Read MoreSumo Drum Beats
Explores how drum beats are used to convey messages about sumo wrestling, with different beats playing depending on the context.
Read MoreStarting a Bout
Explains the different situations during the start of any sumo wrestling match which can result in matta or a false start.
Read MoreExplains the basics of the yokozuna ring entering ceremony in sumo wrestling and the process of making kesho-mawashi, the giant white silk belt worn by the top class wrestlers.
Read MoreSumo Hair Expert
Explores the traditions behind the hairstyles of sumo wrestlers, which are prepared by hairdressers called tokoyama.
Read MoreTokudawara
Explores the story behind how people strengthened the sumo ring in ancient time by using special parts filled with sand called tokudawara.
Read MoreCeremonial Guards
Explores the role of the ceremonial guards, who accompany the wrestler to the sumo ring and help perform the ceremony before the makunouchi division begins.
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