Sumo is a form of Japanese wrestling and one of the oldest martial arts in the world. It is also known as sumo wrestling. The sport originated in Japan, where it is said to have been practiced as early as the Yayoi period (c. 300 BC–300 AD). Sumo’s popularity grew during the ____1____ period (1603–1868), when it was often performed at festivals, and public exhibitions were held in Tokyo’s Yoshiwara ____2_____ district. In recent years, however, the popularity of sumo has waned somewhat, with fewer young people taking up the sport. Nevertheless, it remains an important part of Japanese culture, and sumo wrestlers are still highly revered in society.

There are three main types of sumo wrestling: maezumo, jonokuchi, and honbasho. Maezumo is a training tournament for beginners, while jonokuchi and honbasho are the two main professional tournaments. The aim of sumo is to force one’s opponent out of the ____3____ (dohyo) or to ______4_____ with any part of the body other than the _____5_____.

Sumo wrestlers, known as _____6_____, wear an elaborate belt (mawashi) which is wrapped around their waist and legs. The belt is often brightly decorated with patterns and symbols associated with _____7_____. Rikishi also wear a loincloth (fundoshi) underneath their belts.

The dohyo is a raised platform made of clay, sand and wood. It is approximately _____8_____ meters in diameter and 1.2 meters high. The ring is surrounded by a straw bale (tawara) which serves to keep the wrestlers inside the dohyo and also provides padding in case they fall out.

The referee signals the start of a match by _____9_____. The wrestlers then approach each other and adopt one of three basic stances: migi-yotsu (right hand inside, left hand outside), hidari-yotsu (left hand inside, right hand outside) or morozashi (both hands inside). They then attempt to push, pull or throw their opponent out of the ring using any part of their body. Various techniques are employed, such as thrusting, pulling, ____10_____ and throwing.

A match usually lasts only a few seconds, but sometimes it can go on for several minutes. If neither wrestler has managed to force the other out of the ring or touch the ground with any part of the body other than the soles of the feet, the match is declared a draw.

Sumo wrestling is a highly ritualistic sport. Before each match, the wrestlers perform a series of _____11_____ (called dohyo-iri) to ____12_____ the ring and to show respect to the Shinto deities who are believed to protect sumo. The wrestlers also perform certain rituals before and after eating and drinking, as well as before and after entering and leaving the ring.

Sumo wrestling is a fascinating sport with a long and rich history. It is an important part of Japanese culture and continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world.