Sumo

According to an ancient legend, the existence of the current Japanese nation on the Japanese islands is connected with sumo. According to legend, Takamikadzuti fought one-on-one with the leader of the barbarians. Thanks to his victory, the Japanese gained the right to settle on the territory of the current island of Honshu.
In the Japanese "Narrative of the Temporal Years", according to the European style, in 230 BC, a one-on-one match with the Emperor is recorded as the first national sumo wrestling competition. Nomino Sukune from Izumo Prefecture stunned his opponent with leg kicks to the ribs, a technique now strictly forbidden in modern sumo.
The first reliable historical information about sumo dates back to the middle of the 7th century. In the second month of 642, a sumo competition was held in the Imperial Palace in honor of the Korean ambassador. Since then, under the patronage of the Emperor, competitions were organized every year during the autumn holidays. The first one-on-one fights were not of sporting nature, but of religious importance. Those battles were accompanied by ritual dances, prayers and theatrical performances on religious themes.
The technique of sumo was not distinguished by its subtlety: the throwing and catching tricks of wrestling were compatible with the elements of boxing, and the forbidden tricks were almost absent. The basic rules and judging system of sumo were formed during the Heian period (794-1185). Wrestlers are strictly prohibited from grabbing the opponent's hair, kicking and punching the head. Wrestlers wear a bandage that covers the thigh.
With the strengthening of the military class and the weakening of the Imperial power, the role of sumo also changes significantly. Competitions lose their religious significance and are held less and less. During the Kamakura and Muromati periods (1192-1573), when Japan was torn apart by internal wars, sumo tricks were used to train soldiers and apply them in battle. Today's fancy clothes ("gyoji") of the judges remind us of those times.
Modern sumo has its origins in the Edo period (after 1603). At the beginning of the 17th century, peace was established in Japan, weakened by incessant internal wars. Favorable conditions for trade were created, the merchant class became stronger. A new powerful class is looking for a new pastime, and sumo wrestling becomes a favorite pastime. It was during the Edo period that about 70 legal tricks (throws, sticks, hook tricks, grabs, pushes, etc.) were officially formalized, the ritual was approved, and the rules of the competition, which have practically remained unchanged to this day, were improved.
In the Edo period, the current hierarchy of wrestlers was drawn up, and the rank of grand champion - yokodzuna - was introduced. For the first time, Akasi Siganosuke is included in the highest rating table ("the meeting of the immortals").
In the middle of the 18th century, the tradition of holding a sumo competition was established in the cities of Osaka and Edo (Tokyo). Currently, 6 competitions are held in different cities of Japan during the year.
National Japanese wrestling experienced its own difficult times during the Meiji Restoration. In 1868, the discovery of Japan, which had been isolated from the world for thousands of years, took place, and new entertainments were introduced to the country along with goods brought from "overseas". The new bourgeoisie declared sumo to be a remnant of feudalism, and persecution began against the "enemies of progress". Deprived of the support of patrons, the wrestlers were forced to earn their living, staying away from their true art. A fire brigade of 50 sumotori rang out all over Japan.
It was the love of the common people and the personal support of the Emperor that saved national wrestling from oblivion. Races soon resumed and did not stop even during the world wars.