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It originated in ancient times as a performance to entertain the Shinto deities. Many rituals with religious background, such as the 🗝 symbolic purification of the ring with salt, are still followed today. In line with tradition, only men practice the sport professionally 🗝 in Japan. The rules are simple: the wrestler who first exits the ring or touches the ground with any part of 🗝 his body besides the soles of his feet loses. Matches take place on an elevated ring (dohyo), which is made of 🗝 clay and covered in a layer of sand. |