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 in-
juries. 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 deci-
sions, and so on. This practice was called sumô sechiand lasted into the
twelfth century.
Wrestling and Grappling: Japan 729A sumô wrestling
match, 1890.
(Courtesy of
Joe Svinth)