Ozeki Kotozakura won the overall championship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among the wrestlers who drew particular attention in Paris was Ura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the first day of the makuuchi tournament, Ura lost to Aonishiki by sukuinage (beltless arm throw)<\/strong>. Even in defeat, his skillful landing and remarkable athleticism drew a strong reaction from the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In October 2025, the Grand Sumo Tournament in London<\/strong> was held at the Royal Albert Hall, marking the first Grand Sumo performance in London since 1991.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yokozuna Hoshoryu won the five-day event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ura again stood out for his dynamic, acrobatic style and wide range of techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After losing to Yokozuna Onosato on the opening day, he defeated Fujinokawa on Day 2 with kainahineri (two-handed arm twist down)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On Day 3, he slipped beneath Shonannoumi\u2019s arm and leaned backward to execute tsutaezori (underarm forward body drop)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, on Day 4, Ura ducked beneath Midorifuji\u2019s attempted slap, moved inside, lifted him up, and won with tsuridashi (frontal lift out)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Together, the three victories illustrated the variety of techniques used in sumo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ura received both the Technique Prize<\/strong> and the Audience Award<\/strong> at the London event. He was also dubbed \u201cThe Magician,\u201d reflecting the attention drawn by his distinctive range of techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At both the Paris and London events, the outcome of each bout was only part of the appeal. The many techniques used by the wrestlers were just as fascinating to watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this third sumo column, we take a closer look at sumo techniques and kimarite\u2014the techniques that decide a bout<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Technique Prize<\/strong> Audience Award<\/strong> In a one-on-one sumo bout, the technique used by the attacking wrestler to decide the match is called a kimarite (winning technique)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before the bout is decided, the wrestlers draw on the strength and skills developed through daily training. They may push, thrust, throw, hook, twist, or use a range of other movements against their opponent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The technique that ultimately decides the bout is recorded as the kimarite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sumo techniques have traditionally been referred to collectively as the \u201cForty-Eight Techniques.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Documents from the Edo period describe an older four-part system<\/strong> of 48 techniques, divided into throws, leg techniques, backward body drops, and twists, with 12 techniques in each group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This did not mean that only 48 sumo techniques existed. The number 48 was also used to suggest a large variety of techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The way sumo techniques have been organized and classified has changed over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The photograph above also introduces an older collection of 56 sumo techniques<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, the Japan Sumo Association recognizes 82 kimarite<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also five outcomes classified as non-techniques<\/strong>, in which a wrestler loses without the opponent executing a decisive technique\u2014for example, by losing balance, touching the ground with a hand or knee, or stepping out of the ring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 82 kimarite are divided into six categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also five non-technique outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sumo also has prohibited acts known as kinjite<\/strong>. Using a kinjite results in a loss by foul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Separate rules can also result in a loss by foul in other situations, such as when a wrestler\u2019s mawashi comes off during a bout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing the kimarite and basic rules makes it easier to understand what the wrestlers are trying to do\u2014and adds another layer to watching sumo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sumo is contested between two wrestlers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a general rule, a wrestler wins by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Within the confined space of the ring, wrestlers use their arms, hips, legs, balance, and entire bodies to break their opponent\u2019s position and execute a technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditional ways of describing sumo techniques include categories based on movements such as throwing, hooking, bending backward, and twisting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, the Japan Sumo Association organizes the official kimarite into 82 techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tables below provide a quick guide to the names and basic movements of all 82 kimarite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are seven of the fundamental techniques in sumo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wrestler pushes the opponent out of the dohyo without gripping the mawashi or using an inside arm position. Effective oshidashi depends on coordinating the hands, hips, and legs while driving forward in the same direction and pushing slightly upward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oshitaoshi \u2014 Frontal Push Down<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This technique begins in much the same way as oshidashi. When the opponent tries to hold their ground at the edge of the dohyo, the attacking wrestler continues to push forward and forces them down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tsukidashi \u2014 Frontal Thrust Out<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In tsukidashi, the wrestler uses repeated thrusts to drive the opponent out of the dohyo. The arms move rapidly, thrusting upward from below, while the wrestler advances with coordinated footwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Against an opponent charging forward, the wrestler can target the shoulders or chest while continuing to move forward. The technique can be particularly effective for a taller wrestler against a shorter opponent. However, a shorter wrestler can also use tsukidashi effectively by getting inside a taller opponent\u2019s reach and using rapid, repeated thrusts at close range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tsukitaoshi \u2014 Frontal Thrust Down<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tsukitaoshi uses the same basic thrusting action as tsukidashi. If the opponent is knocked down inside the dohyo or at its edge before stepping outside the ring, the winning technique is called tsukitaoshi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yorikiri \u2014 Frontal Force Out<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In yorikiri, the wrestler pulls the opponent\u2019s mawashi firmly toward the body or turns the inside arm upward to raise the opponent\u2019s center of gravity, then drives them out of the dohyo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important to keep the hips low and the upper body relaxed rather than focusing only on forcing the opponent over the edge. For smaller wrestlers, it is generally considered better to avoid a gappuri-yotsu<\/em> position, where both wrestlers have firm belt grips and face each other chest-to-chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yoritaoshi \u2014 Frontal Force Down<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Yoritaoshi begins in much the same way as yorikiri. When the opponent braces and resists at the edge of the dohyo, the attacking wrestler lowers their center of gravity, pulls the mawashi in firmly, and drives the opponent down as they force them over the edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Abisetaoshi \u2014 Backward Force Down<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abisetaoshi is used when the opponent is leaning backward or has lost stability and dropped into a lower position. The attacking wrestler uses their body weight to bear down on the opponent, overwhelming their stance and forcing them backward to the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These techniques decide a bout by throwing the opponent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These techniques use leg hooks, trips, sweeps, or grips on an opponent\u2019s leg to break their balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These techniques involve dropping or arching the body backward to bring the opponent down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong> One of the awards presented at the London event, given to a wrestler recognized for outstanding technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong> An award decided by audience voting during the London event.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is a Kimarite?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1764137123211-1024x740.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFrom the \u201cForty-Eight Techniques\u201d to Today\u2019s 82 Kimarite<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How a Sumo Bout Is Won<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The 82 Kimarite<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Basic Techniques \u2014 7<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Oshidashi \u2014 Frontal Push Out<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKimarite<\/strong><\/td> Meaning<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> tsukidashi<\/strong><\/td> frontal thrust out<\/td><\/tr> tsukitaoshi<\/strong><\/td> frontal thrust down<\/td><\/tr> oshidashi<\/strong><\/td> frontal push out<\/td><\/tr> oshitaoshi<\/strong><\/td> frontal push down<\/td><\/tr> yorikiri<\/strong><\/td> frontal force out<\/td><\/tr> yoritaoshi<\/strong><\/td> frontal force down<\/td><\/tr> abisetaoshi<\/strong><\/td> backward force down<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Throws \u2014 13<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kimarite<\/strong><\/td> Meaning<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> uwatenage<\/strong><\/td> overarm throw<\/td><\/tr> shitatenage<\/strong><\/td> underarm throw<\/td><\/tr> kotenage<\/strong><\/td> armlock throw<\/td><\/tr> sukuinage<\/strong><\/td> beltless arm throw<\/td><\/tr> uwatedashinage<\/strong><\/td> pulling overarm throw<\/td><\/tr> shitatedashinage<\/strong><\/td> pulling underarm throw<\/td><\/tr> koshinage<\/strong><\/td> hip throw<\/td><\/tr> kubinage<\/strong><\/td> headlock throw<\/td><\/tr> ipponzeoi<\/strong><\/td> one-armed shoulder throw<\/td><\/tr> nichonage<\/strong><\/td> two-leg sweep throw<\/td><\/tr> yaguranage<\/strong><\/td> inner-thigh lifting throw<\/td><\/tr> kakenage<\/strong><\/td> hooking inner thigh throw<\/td><\/tr> tsukaminage<\/strong><\/td> rear-belt lift throw<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Leg Trips and Hooks \u2014 18<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kimarite<\/strong><\/td> Meaning<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> uchigake<\/strong><\/td> inside leg trip<\/td><\/tr> sotogake<\/strong><\/td> outside leg trip<\/td><\/tr> chongake<\/strong><\/td> inside heel-hook twist down<\/td><\/tr> kirikaeshi<\/strong><\/td> knee-prop backward twist down<\/td><\/tr> kawazugake<\/strong><\/td> hooking backward body drop<\/td><\/tr> kekaeshi<\/strong><\/td> inside ankle sweep<\/td><\/tr> ketaguri<\/strong><\/td> ankle kick-down<\/td><\/tr> mitokorozeme<\/strong><\/td> triple attack to both legs and chest<\/td><\/tr> watashikomi<\/strong><\/td> thigh-grabbing push down<\/td><\/tr> nimaigeri<\/strong><\/td> outer ankle kick-down<\/td><\/tr> komatasukui<\/strong><\/td> inside-leg scoop down<\/td><\/tr> sotokomata<\/strong><\/td> outside-leg scoop down<\/td><\/tr> omata<\/strong><\/td> far-leg scoop down<\/td><\/tr> tsumatori<\/strong><\/td> rear toe pick<\/td><\/tr> kozumatori<\/strong><\/td> front ankle pick<\/td><\/tr> ashitori<\/strong><\/td> leg pick<\/td><\/tr> susotori<\/strong><\/td> outside ankle pick<\/td><\/tr> susoharai<\/strong><\/td> rear foot sweep<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Backward Body-Drop Techniques \u2014 6<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kimarite<\/strong><\/td> Meaning<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> izori<\/strong><\/td> backward body drop<\/td><\/tr> shumokuzori<\/strong><\/td> shoulder-lift backward body drop<\/td><\/tr> kakezori<\/strong><\/td> hooking backward body drop<\/td><\/tr>