Rikishi facts for kids

This page is about the sumo wrestler. For the professional wrestler, see Rikishi (wrestler).

A rikishi (Japanese: 力士) is a professional sumo wrestler. The Japanese characters for "rikishi" mean "strong man." These athletes are very strong and often quite large. They train hard to compete in the sport of sumo.

What is a Rikishi?

Rikishi are the main athletes in sumo. Sumo is a special type of wrestling that comes from Japan. These wrestlers are not just strong; they also follow many old traditions. They dedicate their lives to this sport.

Life in a Sumo Stable

During their careers, rikishi live together in special places called "stables." A stable is like a training home. It is run by a former sumo wrestler, often called a "stable master." The stable master makes sure the new wrestlers follow a very strict daily routine. This includes intense training, eating specific foods, and living by certain rules. This way of life helps them become strong and disciplined.

Images for kids

A traditional Japanese print from 1844 showing the rikishi Inagawa Masanosuke.
Akebono Tarō was the first foreign-born rikishi to reach sumo's highest rank, called yokozuna.
Sumo wrestler Somagahana Fuchiemon, around 1850.

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Rikishi Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.