Indiana State Fair: "Bridges to Japan" Exhibition

August 6 - 22, 2010

Sumo Wrestling

Photo by Shimotsuke Newspaper on July 23, 2010

** High-resolution image available on request - please email john.lajiness@japanindiana.org.

Wrestlers from the Tochigi Prefecture Sumo Association will come during the opening weekend of the Fair to the “Bridges of Japan” Exhibition to practice this ancient sport. During the demonstration, children will be invited on stage to give sumo a try.

Sumo, the national sport of Japan, is a martial art that holds a very revered status in Japan; it is viewed by many as a combination of sport and religion. In ancient times, sumo was used in the Shinto Religion, and many ancient traditions have been preserved in sumo, and even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt purification. Sumo is now practiced professionally in Japan, and the Emperor of Japan as well as many other well known figures will sometimes come and watch a match during the major tournaments.

Most professional sumo wrestlers are required to live in communal "sumo training stables" known in Japanese as heya where all aspects of their daily lives—from meals to their manner of dress—are dictated by strict tradition. Although many wrestlers are very large, they are immensely strong athletes who spend much of their time training for the major tournaments held every other month.

A match is confined to an inner circle a little over 15 feet in diameter and is won by forcing the opponent out of the circle or forcing him to touch the ground with any part of his body other than the soles of his feet.

http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/en

“Bridges to Japan” at the Indiana State Fair: Performance Times
Friday, August 6: 2:00 pm, 7:00 pm
Saturday, August 7: 11:00 am, 7:00 pm
Sunday, August 8: 11:00 am (on Main Stage), 7:30 pm