If you’ve ever witnessed a Japanese sumo match, then you know what a unique and exciting experience it can be for the viewer. The rules, the tradition, the ceremony, and even the clothing of the rikishi (sumo wrestlers) are all part of an ancient sport that has lasted in Japan throughout the centuries, and continues to be a popular pastime today. But when exactly did sumo wrestling start? And how has it been received throughout time? And is sumo today similar to the sumo from the beginning?

Let’s take a closer look behind the art of sumo wrestling, the history behind it, and modern sumo wrestling as we know it today.

Sumo wrestling first showed up in art around the eighth century, but there is evidence of sumo in paintings dating back to prehistoric times, when it was performed in a ritualistic ceremony to promote a good harvest of crops that year. The first sumo match that showed up in an ancient manuscript dating back to 712 was between two spirits, Takemikazuchi and Takeminakata. They wrestled over control of the Japanese islands.

Sumo rose to become a favored sport that was played at the Emperor’s court over the next few centuries, and the wrestlers even fought to the death in most matches. It wasn’t until the twelfth centuries that rules and regulations were put into play for sumo. Matches were held outside the royal court for the large crowds, and its popularity increased largely, even showing up in training to become a samurai warrior.

The rules of sumo have been unchanged for centuries; each player tries to push the other player out of the ring, and if a body part of one player touches anywhere outside the ceremonial ring, then the other player wins and the match is over. Sumo wrestlers are known to be very large and very dense in mass. Since there are no regulations on weight classes, some wrestlers may be battling someone that is much larger than them.

Today sumo wrestling continues to be a popular sport in Japan, as well as around the world. The Japanese Sumo Association controls the operation of professional sumo and determines who can become a professional sumo wrestler. These professional performers must complete nine years of training and meet specific height and weight requirements. Sumo outside of the professional arena is a little more loose on traditions, and there are amateur matches performed that typically involve junior high school students that are just getting their start. It is not uncommon for these students to continue on in training for professional sumo.

Sumo has been seen as a popular sport outside of Japan, showing up in the United States with the creation of the US Sumo Open held in Los Angeles. Sumo has appeared in many other parts of the world, as well as Europe, South America, and other parts of Asia.

From its ancient beginnings, sumo wrestling continues to be a popular pastime with millions of fans worldwide. If you ever have the chance, go and check out a match of the one-of-a-kind and exhilarating sport known as sumo.