Sumo rules, for watching
Start with how a match works. Then the rules you see every few minutes, then the ones that change results.
Checked 15 October 2026
Settling an argument? Search all 9 rules
Where these rules come from
| Tag | Document |
|---|---|
| J with a page, for example J p7 | JSA, Sumo introduction booklet (English) |
| K | JSA, list of the 82 winning techniques (Japanese) |
| N | JSA, how to become a rikishi (Japanese) |
| I with an article | IFS, Regulations on Refereeing, 2024 |
| IR, IK, W | IFS Rules Article 3, technique page, weight-class page |
| R | "Why the rule exists", or a point reasoned from the rule, not stated in it |
| C | Common usage or general knowledge, not a rule |
Checked on 15 October 2026.