Martial Arts Of The World - Webs

century A.D., mentions sumô in its descriptions of the legendary origins of
Japan. Sumô attained a ritual association with the power of good quelling
evil. The Nihon Shoki (a history of Japan compiled in the eighth century
A.D.) describes a legendary bout between Nomi-no-Sukune and Taima-no-
Kehaya at the “Imperial Palace” in 23 B.C. This sanctioned brawl was to
determine the gods’ choice between the Izumo and the Yamato clans to rule
over Japan. Nomi-no-Sukune won this bout by smashing Taima-no-Kehaya
to the ground with such force that he died of broken bones and internal injuries.
The winner, in contrast to the loser, was described as a man of
renowned strength, but gentle. After this event, sumô matches were held to
determine the will of the gods concerning bountiful crops, political decisions,
and so on. This practice was called sumô sechi and lasted into the
twelfth century.
A sumô wrestling
match, 1890.
(Courtesy of
Joe Svinth)
Wrestling and Grappling: Japan 729