What is forbidden in sumo: The Strict Rules of the Ring

Sumo wrestling, a sport steeped in tradition and ancient Shinto rituals, is far more than just a display of immense strength and size. Beneath the surface of this captivating spectacle lies a complex set of rules, both for the wrestlers themselves and for the conduct within the sumo ring, the dohyo. For the uninitiated, many of these prohibitions might seem unusual or even quaint, but they are integral to maintaining the sport's integrity, purity, and historical significance. So, what exactly is forbidden in sumo?

Forbidden Techniques: The Do's and Don'ts of the Sumo Bout

The primary focus of what's forbidden in sumo centers around the actual wrestling match, or ippon shobu. The goal is to force your opponent out of the ring or make them touch the ground with any part of their body other than the soles of their feet. To achieve this, wrestlers are permitted a wide array of techniques, but certain actions are strictly prohibited, leading to an immediate loss, known as a kinjite.

Common Kinjite (Forbidden Moves) Include:

Striking with a closed fist: While open-handed slaps are a fundamental part of sumo, hitting with a clenched fist is a definite no-no. This is considered a crude and unsportsmanlike act.
Hair pulling: The iconic topknot, or chonmage, is a symbol of a sumo wrestler's pride and identity. Grabbing or pulling someone's hair is a severe infraction.
Gouging the eyes: This is perhaps the most obvious and universally understood forbidden move in any combat sport. Direct eye contact is something the wrestlers are trained to avoid.
Kicking the groin: While low blows are a common sight in some combat sports, they are strictly forbidden in sumo.
Choking (strangling): While grappling and controlling an opponent's neck area is allowed, applying a chokehold that cuts off breathing is forbidden.
Fingers in the mouth or nose: Interfering with an opponent's airways in such a way is prohibited.
Biting: Though less common due to the physical nature of the sport, biting is, of course, forbidden.
Grabbing the opponent's mawashi (loincloth) with both hands to constrict or rip it: While gripping the mawashi is a primary way to control an opponent, using both hands to try and tear it or excessively constrict it is against the rules.

These kinjite are not just arbitrary rules; they are designed to preserve the honor and skill involved in sumo, ensuring that victories are achieved through strength, technique, and strategic maneuvering, not through brutal or dishonorable tactics.

Forbidden Conduct Outside the Ring: The Sumo Lifestyle

The strictures of sumo extend far beyond the wrestling bouts themselves. The life of a sumo wrestler, particularly those in the professional ranks, is highly regulated, with numerous prohibitions dictating their daily lives and conduct. These rules are enforced by the Japan Sumo Association (JSA) and are designed to maintain the prestige and discipline associated with the sport.

Key Areas Where Conduct is Forbidden:

Relationships and Marriage: Until recently, junior sumo wrestlers (rikishi) were generally forbidden from marrying. This rule has been relaxed for sekitori (the top two divisions), but marriage still requires permission from the stablemaster (oyakata). The reasoning behind this historically was to prevent distractions and ensure complete dedication to training.
Leaving the Stable Unattended: Wrestlers, especially those in lower ranks, are largely confined to their training stables (heya). Leaving without permission is a serious offense, as it's seen as neglecting their duties and potentially engaging in forbidden activities.
Disrespect to Senior Wrestlers or Stablemasters: The sumo hierarchy is strict. Showing disrespect to seniors is a major breach of etiquette and can result in severe punishment.
Public Misconduct: Sumo wrestlers are considered public figures and role models. Any form of public intoxication, fighting, or engaging in illegal activities will result in immediate expulsion from the JSA.
Dyeing Hair or Wearing Jewelry: Wrestlers are expected to maintain a natural appearance. Dyeing their hair or wearing conspicuous jewelry is frowned upon and often forbidden.
Smoking in Public: While smoking may be permitted in designated areas, smoking in public spaces or in uniform is generally forbidden to maintain a clean image.
Using Mobile Phones During Training or Official Events: This is a modern prohibition aimed at ensuring focus and adherence to the strict schedule of a sumo wrestler.
Contact with Outside Coaches or Trainers: Training is exclusive to the stablemaster and designated coaches within the stable. Seeking outside professional advice is forbidden.

These lifestyle regulations underscore the idea that sumo wrestling is not just a sport but a way of life, demanding complete commitment and adherence to a disciplined code of conduct.

The Sumo Rituals and Their Prohibitions

Before and after a sumo match, numerous rituals take place, many of which have Shinto roots. These rituals are considered sacred, and any disruption or disrespect is deeply frowned upon.

Throwing Salt: Wrestlers throw salt into the ring before a bout to purify it. While not strictly a forbidden action to *not* do, disrespecting the salt or the ritual itself would be considered taboo.
Dohyo Entry and Exit: The ceremonial entry and exit from the ring follow specific protocols. Deviating from these can be seen as disrespectful.
Drinking from the Choko: In some tournaments, the winner drinks from a ceremonial cup of water (choko) after their victory. The act of drinking itself is not forbidden, but tampering with or disrespecting the ceremony would be.

The emphasis on these ancient traditions highlights the spiritual and ceremonial aspects of sumo that are as important as the physical contest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How are forbidden moves enforced in sumo?

Forbidden moves, known as kinjite, are enforced by the referee, called a gyoji, who presides over the match from within the ring. If a gyoji observes a wrestler executing a forbidden technique, they will immediately signal for the bout to stop and declare the offending wrestler the loser. In some cases, especially for more egregious violations, ringside judges, called shimpan, may also confer to make a final decision.

Why are certain actions forbidden in sumo?

The forbidden actions in sumo stem from a blend of practical considerations and a deep respect for tradition and honor. Many prohibitions, like eye-gouging or hair-pulling, are about preventing unnecessary injury and maintaining a level of fairness and skill. Others, like the strict lifestyle regulations, are about upholding the discipline, purity, and revered status of the sumo wrestler and the sport itself, which has historical ties to Shinto rituals.

What happens if a wrestler commits a forbidden act?

Committing a kinjite during a match results in an immediate loss for the wrestler who performed the forbidden move. Outside the ring, a wrestler who engages in forbidden conduct, such as public misconduct or disrespect, can face severe penalties ranging from warnings and reprimands to fines, demotion in rank, and in the most severe cases, outright expulsion from the Japan Sumo Association.