Sumo (相撲 sumō) - some questions and answers

What is Sumo Wrestling?
Sumo is a competitive full-contact wrestling sport, where a wrestler also known as a Rikishi, attempts to force his opponent out of the dohyo, a circular wrestling ring, or forces his opponent to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of his feet.
The Japanese characters, 相撲 literally mean "striking one another".
The sport originated in Japan, where it is practiced professionally and with very high profile and support. It is generally considered a modern Japanese martial art, or gendai budo.

What is the average weight of a sumo wrestler?
Usually around 150 kilograms (330 pounds).

How many calories per day does a Sumo wrestler consume?
The average sumo wrestler eats up to 20,000 calories per day - about 10 times more than an average adult.

What is the white stuff that sumo wrestlers throw in the ring before a match?
Sumo wrestlers throw salt into the ring to purify it before they begin their match.

How much money do sumo wrestlers earn a year?
Earnings are all based on winning the match, which is currently worth 60,000 yen; of which 5,000 yen goes to the sumo association, 25,000 yen is withheld for Tax and retirement pension, then the wrestler gets the remaining 30,000 yen cash. This is always paid on the spot after the match in an envelope.

What is the Life expectancy of a sumo wrestler?
To compare - the Life expectancy for a Japanese male non-wrestler is around 79 years
The life expectancy of a sumo wrestler is much shorter, with many dying in their 50s, often with heart disease and diabetes.