The Differences Between Professional and Amateur Sumo

Sumo wrestling is a fascinating sport with deep cultural roots in Japan. If you’ve ever watched a grand sumo tournament or stumbled across amateur sumo, you might have wondered—what’s the difference? While both share the same foundation, there are some key distinctions that set professional sumo (known as "ōzumō") apart from amateur sumo. Let’s dive into it!

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1. Rules: Tradition vs. Simplicity

Professional sumo is steeped in tradition, and its rules reflect that. Wrestlers (or rikishi) adhere to strict customs, including ceremonial rituals like the salt toss and stomping before matches. Matches are overseen by referees dressed in elaborate traditional outfits, and rikishi must follow a hierarchy based on rank.

Amateur sumo, on the other hand, keeps things simple. While the core rule—forcing your opponent out of the ring or making any part of their body other than their feet touch the ground—remains the same, there’s less emphasis on rituals and rank. It’s more about the sport itself and less about the pageantry.

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2. Tournament Format: Big Spectacle vs. Local Events

Professional sumo tournaments are grand events held six times a year in Japan, each lasting 15 days. Thousands of fans gather to watch the top rikishi compete in packed arenas, and the atmosphere is electric. The stakes are high, with promotions, demotions, and prestigious titles on the line.

Amateur sumo tournaments are much more casual and varied in format. They’re often one-day events held at local gyms or community centers. Most amateur sumo tournaments held in Japan are conducted in an open-weight format, similar to professional sumo. However, some domestic tournaments and almost all international tournaments are organized by weight classes. Additionally, a distinctive feature of amateur sumo is that not only individual matches but also team competitions are held.

College sumo team

3. Gender: Men vs. Everyone

Here’s a big one—professional sumo is exclusively for men. Women are not allowed to compete or even step into the sacred dohyo (sumo ring) due to longstanding traditions tied to Shinto beliefs.

Amateur sumo is far more inclusive! Women can participate and compete, and there are even dedicated women’s divisions in international tournaments. This has helped sumo grow as a sport beyond its traditional boundaries.

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4. International Appeal: Japan vs. The World

Professional sumo remains deeply tied to Japanese culture, with most wrestlers being Japanese or hailing from countries like Mongolia that have strong ties to sumo traditions. The language, rituals, and even the lifestyle of rikishi revolve around Japanese customs.

Amateur sumo, however, has gone global! It’s practiced in many countries, including the U.S., Russia, and Poland, with international competitions like the World Sumo Championships drawing participants from all over the world. The World Sumo Championships have been held continuously for over 20 years, with athletes from many countries actively participating. This broader appeal has helped spread awareness of sumo as a sport rather than just a cultural spectacle.

Pro sumo is only allowed for men.

5.Final Thoughts

Both professional and amateur sumo offer unique experiences. Professional sumo dazzles with tradition and grandeur, while amateur sumo opens up opportunities for everyone to join in on the fun, regardless of gender or nationality. Whether you’re a fan of the rituals or just love watching two wrestlers battle it out in the ring, there’s something for everyone in the world of sumo wrestling.

So next time you catch a match—or maybe even try it yourself—you’ll know what makes each style special!