Wrestling vs. Sumo — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 20, 2024
Wrestling is a competitive sport involving techniques like grappling, while Sumo is a Japanese form of wrestling emphasizing weight and strength.
Difference Between Wrestling and Sumo
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Wrestling encompasses various styles worldwide, focusing on techniques, agility, and strength. Athletes engage in a physical contest to pin or subdue their opponent without striking. Sumo, on the other hand, is a traditional Japanese form of wrestling where the primary objective is to force the opponent out of a circular ring or to touch the ground with any body part other than the soles of the feet.
While wrestling often involves weight classes to ensure fair competition, Sumo wrestlers are not divided by weight. Instead, they compete in a single open division, where larger size and weight can be significant advantages, leading to distinct strategies and training regimens.
The rules and objectives in wrestling vary by style, with some focusing on points for control and others on pinning the opponent. Sumo has a straightforward rule set: a match ends when a wrestler exits the ring or touches the ground with anything other than the soles of their feet.
Wrestling matches take place on a mat within a defined area, with rounds and time limits. Sumo bouts occur in a dohyo (a clay ring) and typically last only a few seconds to a minute, with no rounds or specified time limit, emphasizing quick, decisive victories.
The cultural significance of Sumo in Japan extends beyond sport, incorporating rituals and traditions that reflect Shinto beliefs. Wrestling, while respected and traditional in many cultures, generally lacks the religious and ceremonial aspects prominent in Sumo.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A competitive sport involving grappling techniques.
A traditional Japanese wrestling form emphasizing size.
Objective
Pin or subdue the opponent.
Force the opponent out of the ring or to touch the ground.
Weight Classes
Divided into weight classes for fairness.
Competitors not divided by weight, compete in open class.
Match Environment
Takes place on a mat within a defined area.
Occurs in a dohyo (clay ring) with no time limit.
Cultural Significance
Considered a sport with various styles globally.
A significant part of Japanese culture with religious ties.
Compare with Definitions
Wrestling
Matches are decided by points, pins, or submissions.
The wrestler scored points for maintaining control on the mat.
Sumo
Incorporates Shinto rituals and traditions.
Sumo tournaments often begin with ceremonial rituals.
Wrestling
Practiced worldwide with various rules and styles.
International wrestling tournaments showcase diverse techniques.
Sumo
Matches are won by forcing the opponent out of the ring.
The sumo match ended swiftly when one wrestler was pushed out of the dohyo.
Wrestling
Includes styles like freestyle and Greco-Roman.
Greco-Roman wrestling restricts holds below the waist.
Sumo
Lacks weight classes, featuring an open weight competition.
In sumo, a smaller wrestler can face a much larger opponent.
Wrestling
Focuses on physical conditioning and skill.
Wrestlers train rigorously to improve their strength and agility.
Sumo
Competitors are known for their considerable weight and strength.
Sumo wrestlers follow a special diet to gain weight and strength.
Wrestling
A grappling sport focusing on techniques and agility.
Wrestling competitions often feature athletes from different weight classes.
Sumo
Traditional Japanese wrestling emphasizing size.
Sumo wrestlers, or rikishi, compete in a circular ring.
Wrestling
Wrestling is a combat sport involving grappling-type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. The sport can either be genuinely competitive or sportive entertainment (see professional wrestling).
Sumo
Sumo (Japanese: 相撲, Hepburn: sumō, [sɯmoː], lit. "striking one another") is a form of competitive full-contact wrestling where a rikishi (wrestler) attempts to force his opponent out of a circular ring (dohyō) or into touching the ground with any body part other than the soles of his feet (usually by throwing, shoving or pushing him down).
Wrestling
A sport in which two competitors attempt to unbalance, control, or immobilize each other by various holds and maneuvers.
Sumo
A Japanese form of wrestling in which a competitor loses if forced from the ring or if any part of his body except the soles of his feet touches the ground.
Wrestling
Present participle of wrestle
Sumo
(uncountable) A stylised Japanese form of wrestling in which a wrestler loses if he is forced from the ring, or if any part of his body except the soles of his feet touches the ground.
Wrestling
A sport where two opponents attempt to subdue each other in bare-handed grappling using techniques of leverage, holding, and pressure points.
Sumo
A rikishi (sumo wrestler)
Wrestling
A professional tumbling act that emulates the sport of wrestling. Also called "professional wrestling". It is distinguished from sport wrestling — which has strict internationally recognized rules and is conducted on a mat — by being scripted, rehearsed, conducted in a boxing ring rather than on a mat, and televised as entertainment.
Sumo
A Japanese form of wrestling; you lose if you are forced out of a small ring or if any part of your body (other than your feet) touches the ground
Wrestling
A wrestling match.
Wrestling
(countable) The act of one who wrestles; a struggle to achieve something.
Wrestling
Act of one who wrestles; specif., the sport consisting of the hand-to-hand combat between two unarmed contestants who seek to throw each other.
Wrestling
The act of engaging in close hand-to-hand combat;
They had a fierce wrestle
We watched his grappling and wrestling with the bully
Wrestling
The sport of hand-to-hand struggle between unarmed contestants who try to throw each other down
Common Curiosities
How do Sumo wrestlers win a bout?
By forcing the opponent out of the ring or causing them to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of their feet.
Are there weight classes in wrestling?
Yes, wrestlers are divided into weight classes to ensure fair competition.
What is wrestling?
Wrestling is a competitive grappling sport with various styles, focusing on technique and agility.
What is Sumo?
Sumo is a traditional Japanese form of wrestling that emphasizes size and strength.
Are there weight classes in Sumo?
No, Sumo wrestlers compete in an open weight division.
How long do Sumo matches last?
Sumo bouts are typically very short, often lasting only a few seconds to a minute.
Are Sumo wrestlers athletes?
Yes, Sumo wrestlers are considered athletes, undergoing rigorous training and adhering to strict lifestyles.
How do wrestlers win a match?
Wins can be achieved through points, pins, or forcing an opponent to submit.
What makes Sumo unique compared to other forms of wrestling?
Sumo's uniqueness comes from its cultural and religious significance, emphasis on weight and strength, and specific rules and setting.
What is the cultural significance of Sumo in Japan?
Sumo is deeply intertwined with Japanese culture and Shinto religion, featuring many rituals and traditions.
Can size be an advantage in Sumo?
Yes, larger size and weight are significant advantages in Sumo.
How important is technique in Wrestling?
Technique is crucial in wrestling, as it involves skillful grappling, control, and maneuvering of the opponent.
Do wrestlers follow a special diet?
While dietary practices can vary, wrestlers often follow strict diets to maintain or achieve their weight class.
What are the main differences between Wrestling and Sumo?
The main differences lie in their objectives, rules, cultural significance, and the presence of weight classes.
Is wrestling practiced globally?
Yes, wrestling is a widely practiced sport around the world, with numerous styles and competitions.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
