Sumo Rules

Ring and Match Format

• The ring will be a 13-foot circle made of official wrestling-grade foam, with a 1-foot border around the edges for safety.

• Matches consist of 2–3 rounds; the winner is the first to win two rounds.

Tournament Structure

• A maximum of 16 competitors may enter.

• The tournament ladder is structured to align combatants by weight, and experience for fairness.

• However, as eliminations occur, uneven matchups may happen.

• The league is co-ed. Bouts are arranged based on weight, height, and relevant experience as the only considerations.

Cultural Integrity

• All other rules not explicitly covered here align with Japanese Standard Sumo Rules.

• This league is conducted to uplift Japanese-inspired characters and kits.

• The event is organized tastefully and overseen by individuals of Japanese descent, out of love for their culture.

General Rules

• No striking of any kind is permitted.

• No charging at the start of the match; combatants must slowly engage.

• The Mawashi (sumo belt) for our purposes is defined as a karate belt issued at the event and returned afterward.

• Yokozunas keep their championship belt and must bring and wear it to future events.

• Combatants must wear underwear beneath their Mawashi.

• This includes chest covering for those it is relevant for.

• Combatants must wear only their underwear and Mawashi.

• Exception: If both competitors agree, a shirt may also be worn.

• Exception: If both competitors agree, skin-tight leggings may also be worn.

Referee and Rule Enforcement

• The referee will declare the winner of each round and match.

• All rulings are final and non-debatable.

• The referee may disqualify a competitor for violating the rules or the spirit of the competition.

• The Referee may declare a round null if a clear winner is unable to be established.

Championship Tournament

• The annual championship tournament is held at Drachenfest US.

• The single-elimination winner is declared Yokozuna (Grand Champion) and awarded the championship headband by the referee.

• The two losing fighters of the Semi-Finals will compete in a bout to establish who the third-place champion is, this bout takes place before the Grand Championship match.

Tournament Payouts

• 5 Copper – Gyōji (Referee)

• 2 Silver – Third Place (Sekiwake, Junior Champion)

• 3 Silver – Second Place (Ōzeki, Champion) + Mystery Prize

• 5 Silver – First Place (Yokozuna, Grand Champion) + Champion Belt + Mystery Prize