What are the official rules for Sumo wrestling?
From http://www.japanorama.com/sumo.html Rules of Sumo The rules of sumo are very simple compared with those of Western wrestling. Using 70 basic fighting techniques, the wrestlers fight to push the opponent out of the ring or make any part of his body, other than the feet, touch the ground. Matches last from a few seconds to a few minutes. If no decision is reached within five minutes of fighting time, a three- or four-minute extension is allowed. If there is no decision at the end of the overtime, the wrestlers must start all over again after another two bouts. Such marathon matches are rare, occurring only a few times a year.
Sumo is a Japanese style of wrestling and Japan’s national sport. It originated in ancient times as a performance to entertain the Shinto gods. Many rituals with religious background are still followed today. The basic rules of sumo are simple: The wrestler who either first touches the floor with something else than his sole or leaves the ring before his opponent, loses. The fights themselves usually last only a few seconds and in rare cases up to one minute or longer. Six tournaments are held every year, each one lasting 15 days. Three of the tournaments are held in Tokyo (January, May, September), and one each in Osaka (March),
Sumo is a Japanese style of wrestling and Japan’s national sport. It originated in ancient times as a performance to entertain the Shinto gods. Many rituals with religious background are still followed today. The basic rules of sumo are simple: The wrestler who either first touches the floor with something else than his sole or leaves the ring before his opponent, loses. The fights themselves usually last only a few seconds and in rare cases up to one minute or longer. Six tournaments are held every year, each one lasting 15 days. Three of the tournaments are held in Tokyo (January, May, September), and one each in Osaka (March),
