Photo Credit: Visit Okinawa
Sumo Wrestling (Shima) in Okinawa is different from Japanese Sumo.
Most people when thinking of Sumo, imagine huge men, with large, exposed, abdomens, trying to muscle their opponent out of a wrestling ring.
Photo Credit: Visit Okinawa Sumo Wrestling You Tube Video
Okinawan Shima (Sumo) you would more likely see at a festival, than on a television.
The wrestlers wear shorts and shirts. Some may even be wearing a Judo gi. They are introduced by a referee. They grasp each others Mawashi (cloth belt around the waist) before the match begins.
The match is more of a speed, dexterity and agility test than what you would see in Japanese Sumo.
In many respects, Okinawa Sumo looks similar a Judo Competition.
To win, one wrestler must get his opponent, completely out of the ring or, pin his back to the ground.
The matches can be fast-paced and exciting.
There are no big commercial sponsors to be won. It is just a friendly community event.
It’s one wrestler, with a red belt, against another wearing a white belt.
Sometimes, the sand and sawdust fly.
They may grunt, groan and strain, trying to overcome their opponent.
Some of the techniques practiced in Okinawan Sumo evolved into what is now known as Karate. However, in this sport, no one gets physically injured. Not even an opponent raised in the air, as in the photo above. He was lowered gently to the ground.
More on Okinawan Sumo in the You Tube Video above or, the article Karate and Okinawan Sumo.
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I love this photo essay. The power of the movement is so nice captured in each shot.
Thank you Laura. With summer festival kicking into high gear I should be out getting plenty more sumo scenes, shortly. Stay tuned.
WoW ! Great to see and read about, I’m sure, an ancient Okinawan tradition !
A small suggestion, if I might make : You should convert your ‘Photo Essay’ more into a ‘Photo Novel’ or at least a ‘Mini Photo Novel’ as these are so very interesting !
Well covered and keep ‘em coming !
Sumitran,
The suggestion you made got me curious. I was almost ready to email you and have one of your airplanes come pick me up. I Googled Photo Novel and discovered someone stole your idea back in the 70’s. Back to the salt mines, I go. Thanks for the compliments !
Great shots Mike!
You captured the action brilliantly – made me feel as though I was right there 🙂
Nomadic Samuel,
Thank you. Maybe, one day we’ll get you here !
What fantastic action shots! And what an exciting event to witness!
Nice action shots! And you’re right: it’s the first time I see Sumo wrestlers wearing shorts and shirts 🙂
Natasha and Adrian,
Thank you. I’ll probably be out shooting more Okinawa Shima at a festival next weekend. Hopefully, under a bright sun where I can freeze the action a bit better.