There is one's physical strength, centuries-old ritual, a complicated code of behavior, religious overtones, a daunting hierarchy system, and feudalistic training regimes. The rules of the game are surprisingly quite simple. The ring, which is about 4.55m in diameter, is on a raised platform. In a way, it resembles a boxing ring. However, all similarities end there.
Sumo wrestling is often brief and spectacular.
The ritual before the fight itself is also just as important. Unlike boxing, there are also no weight categories in sumo. The look is achieved through a special diet. Wrestlers consume large quantities of an especially fattening stew, chankonabe. This is supplemented by certain activities, such as massages that involves the manipulation of the intestines in order to consume more food.