What is sumo wrestling? A kids’ guide to Japan’s national sport

This article, What is sumo wrestling?, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It helps children practise reading and comprehension, learn fun vocabulary, and discover one of the oldest sports in the world. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.

What is sumo wrestling?

Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport, and it’s unlike anything else in the world! Two huge wrestlers step into a ring, crouch down, and try to push each other over the line or make the other fall over. The rules are simple, but the traditions go back over 1,500 years!

Sumo is not just about strength. It’s also about balance, speed, and skill. Matches can be over in a few seconds or last for a few minutes. That might not sound like a long time, but if you are wrestling against someone who weighs over 150kg, it will seem like forever!

Where did it come from?

Sumo began in Japan many centuries ago. Historians believe it started as a way to honour the gods and bring good harvests. Over time, it became a sport to entertain emperors and other important people. Nowadays, normal people can buy a ticket to watch the giants wrestle each other.

Today, sumo is still full of rituals. Wrestlers throw salt into the ring to purify it, wear traditional belts called mawashi, and follow strict rules of respect. The matches may be short, but the ceremony is long and meaningful.

How does it work?

Sumo matches take place in a round ring made of clay and covered in sand. Each wrestler tries to push or throw the other out of the ring, or make any part of their body except their feet touch the ground. 

No punching, kicking, or hair-pulling allowed. This is a battle of strength.

Wrestlers are sorted into ranks, with the very best called Yokozuna. Only a few ever reach that level because it’s not as simple as just winning a lot of matches, but you must also show good character and honour the traditions of sumo.

Famous sumo stars

One of the most famous wrestlers ever was Hakuho, a Yokozuna from Mongolia who won 45 sumo championships. That’s more than anyone else in the history of sumo. Another great of the sport is Taiho, a Japanese legend from the 1960s who won 32 championships. Both were known for their power, speed, and amazing skill.

Although most top wrestlers today come from Japan and Mongolia, sumo is becoming more international, with fans and wrestlers from all over the world.

What’s next for sumo?

While sumo is very traditional, it’s also slowly changing. There are more international wrestlers, and there are more women training in amateur sumo.

Maybe one day women will be able to become professional sumo wrestlers, but for now, only men can compete at this level. Let’s hope things will change soon so that everyone can wrestle if they want to.

Article vocabulary list

• Sumo – A traditional Japanese sport where two wrestlers try to push each other out of a ring
• Tradition – A way of doing something that’s been passed down for many years
• Ritual – A special action or ceremony done in a certain way
• Mawashi – The thick belt that sumo wrestlers wear
• Yokozuna – The highest rank in sumo wrestling
• Purify – To make clean or pure, often in a spiritual way
• Balance – Staying steady without falling
• Honour – To show great respect

Comprehension questions

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