Yes, while the sport often features athletes of considerable mass, there have indeed been sumo wrestlers who were notably lighter or what might be considered "skinny" relative to the typical physique in the sport.
Defining "Skinny" in the World of Sumo
In sumo wrestling, weight is generally a significant advantage, providing a lower center of gravity and more mass for pushes and shoves. The average professional sumo wrestler (rikishi) typically weighs between 130 kg (290 lb) and 180 kg (400 lb), with many weighing considerably more. Therefore, a "skinny" sumo wrestler isn't necessarily thin by conventional standards, but rather someone who is significantly lighter than their peers in the dohyo.
Notable Examples of Lighter Rikishi
One prominent example of a sumo wrestler who stood out for his relatively light build in the modern era was Takanoyama Shuntarō. Despite his height, he faced challenges in gaining weight throughout his career.
Here's a look at his remarkable statistics compared to a typical sumo wrestler:
Wrestler Type | Approximate Height | Approximate Weight | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Takanoyama Shuntarō | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) | 90 kg (200 lb; 14 st) | Among the lightest in the modern era. |
Average Sumo Wrestler | 1.75 - 1.95 m (5'9" - 6'5") | 130 - 180 kg (290 - 400 lbs) | Typical weight range for professional rikishi. |
Takanoyama's inability to put on significant weight was a consistent factor throughout his time in the sport, making his presence notable given the standard body types found in sumo.
How Lighter Wrestlers Compete Effectively
Lighter sumo wrestlers, like Takanoyama, often compensate for their lack of mass with superior technique, speed, and agility. Their fighting style typically relies less on brute force and more on:
- Quick Movement: Utilizing swift footwork and sudden shifts to evade an opponent's initial charge (known as tachiai).
- Exploiting Momentum: Using an opponent's own forward momentum against them through throws (nage-waza) or sidesteps (henka).
- Technical Skill: Mastering a wide array of kimarite (winning techniques) that emphasize leverage, balance disruption, and precision.
- Low Center of Gravity: While heavier wrestlers achieve this through mass, lighter ones may actively work to keep their stance lower and more grounded.
These strategic approaches allow them to compete effectively against much heavier opponents, showcasing that while weight is an asset, it is not the sole determinant of success in the ancient sport of sumo.