The RULES

Combat Sumo’s rules pay respect to traditional sumo while enfusing the simplicity and excitement that modern audiences crave.

With a focus on fast-paced action that rewards risk and strength, bouts are designed to captivate, while being easily understood.

    1. The match begins when the referee (Gyoji) says "Hakkeyoi" after both athletes place their hands on the ring (Dohyo) and take a breath.

    2. Athletes must put their hands behind the starting lines (Shikirisen).

    3. If an athlete jumps the gun and doesn’t wait for the call, the referee will shout "Matta" (Wait) and restart the match.

    4. If the head judge sees a false start, they will immediately raise their hand to stop the match.

    5. The match will restart right away after a false start.

    6. The head judge decides if the start was done correctly or not.

    7. To start the match, a traditional start (Tachiai) is used. Hold on to the belts for a maximum of 10 seconds. Then, the referee will signal for a break. After the break, both fighters will stand behind the starting lines with hands on their thighs. When the referee says "Hakkeyoi," they will charge at each other, and this can happen multiple times during the match.

    1. An athlete wins by pushing their opponent out of the rice-bale boundary circle (shobu-dawara).

    2. An athlete wins by forcing any part of their opponent's body, except the soles of their feet, to touch the ring (dohyó).

    3. If an opponent has lost their balance (shinitai), it’s not a loss if:

      (a) One athlete touches the ring with their hand just before the other.

      (b) One athlete steps out of the ring just before the other.

      These situations are known as kabaite (touching) and kabaiashi (stepping out).

    4. If an athlete steps out of the ring while lifting their opponent with their legs in the air and puts them down outside the shobu-dawara, it’s not a loss. However, if they step out backwards, they lose.

    5. If the front fold (orikomi) of an opponent's belt (mawashi) touches the ring, it is not considered a loss.

    6. If an athlete wins with a throwing technique and their instep touches the ring, it is not considered a loss.

    7. An athlete can be declared the loser based on the judges' decisions under the following circumstances:

      (a) The athlete is unable to continue due to injury.

      (b) The athlete uses prohibited moves (kinjite).

      (c) The athlete ends the match on their own.

      (d) The athlete fails to jump off deliberately.

      (e) The athlete does not follow the judges' instructions.

      (f) If the front pouch of their belt (mawashi) comes loose during the match.

      (g) If the athlete does not appear in the waiting area (dohyó-damari) after being called twice by the staff.

  • 16 fighters compete over 5 rounds.

    There can only be 1 winner.

    In our fighting system, every match is sudden death—one mistake means it’s game over. Sixteen elite fighters enter the tournament, with only one emerging as the victor. Our competitors hail from a distinguished background in combat and powersports, ensuring a fresh dynamic in the world of combat sports.

    Unlike many similar sports, Combat Sumo stands out as a unique and distinct experience. We proudly feature a truly international roster of athletes, aiming to establish Combat Sumo as a global sport, breaking away from the traditional Sumo restrictions that limit foreign participation.