Sixth Grade
Worksheets
Sumo Wrestling
For many sports, the ideal athlete's body is sleek, muscular, and lean. However, one sport requires a different kind of body. Japanese Sumo wrestlers pride themselves on being as big as possible.
The ancient art of Sumo wrestling goes back to the 8th century. A long time ago, wrestling meant fighting to the death. Gradually, it became a sport where the goal of each wrestler was to throw his opponent to the ground. By the 16th century, the wrestlers fought in a ring and wore loose loincloths. Today, professional Sumo wrestling is organized by the Japan Sumo Association and its members, who are called oyakata. These men used to be wrestlers, and they train new wrestlers.
Sumo wrestling is the national sport of Japan. It is also part of the centuries-old Shinto religion. Shinto was the state religion of Japan until World War II. Shinto worships kami gods. These sacred spirits embody elements such as wind, rain, trees, and rivers. Human beings become kami after death and are worshiped by their families. Shinto ritual includes a dance where a wrestler fights with a kami. These contests are called Sumai Parties, but they aren't as much fun as birthday parties. They are held at Shinto places of worship called shrines. Sometimes, Sumo wrestling was used to resolve political conflicts.
