Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you win a sumo match?
A: A sumo wrestler wins a match by forcing his opponent out of the 15-foot ring (dohyo), or onto the ground.

Q: What do you call the “diaper” that sumo wrestlers wear?
A: The traditional loincloth that sumo wrestlers wear is called a mawashi. It is a single long piece of cloth that ties in the back, and reveals that the opponents are hiding no weapons.

Q: Are all sumo wrestlers Japanese?
A: Sumo may have originated in Japan, but this ancient sport has spread across the globe. There are international sumo wrestlers in over 80 countries worldwide.

Q: Is sumo in the Olympics?
A: Sumo is not yet an Olympic sport, but it is recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and may be added to the 2016 Olympic Games.

Q: Do you have to be fat to do sumo?
A: While some wrestlers do have a protective layer of fat on their bodies, they are skilled athletes that possess remarkable strength, balance, and flexibility.