However, the paucity of rules is balanced by the number of rituals and
ceremonies and the traditional etiquette that is present in sumo. Sumo truly is
a national symbol for the Japanese of the bygone days of samurai honor. The
Japanese often refer to sumodo (the way of sumo) as the modern bushido (way of
the samurai).
Sumo has few shared techniques with Greco-Roman wrestling. In fact, it has more in common with the martial arts of judo and aikido. Throughout Japan's long and eventful history, sumo has been a valuable part
of Japanese culture; whether as a religious ritual, a part of military training,
or as a national sport. Sumo has undergone numerous changes, especially from the
15th century to the present. It has changed in social status, going from a form
of entertainment for the Gods, to entertainment for the noble, to entertainment
for the masses.
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