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WABUKAN Arsenal · Uniforms and tradition · Japan

Mawashi

The sumo belt, a strip of thick cloth up to 9 metres long wrapped around the waist. Gripping it is the heart of sumo technique.

Mawashi
Mawashi WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

廻し · keiko-mawashi; shime-komi; kesho-mawashi

Origin and history

The mawashi is the belt worn by sumo wrestlers in training and competition; it is also the main grip in the sport, since most winning techniques (kimarite) involve the belt. Ornamental aprons (keshō-mawashi) are worn by top-division wrestlers in the ring-entering ceremony.

Martial arts that use it

Sumo

Construction

A heavy band of thick cloth, about 7–9 m long for professionals, wrapped several times around the waist and between the legs. Sekitori (top two divisions) wear silk mawashi in bouts, with stiffened strings (sagari) hanging in front.

Basic techniques

Training

Uniforms and traditional items are “trained” through etiquette: how to wear, fold, tie and care for them is taught alongside technique and is part of each art’s culture.

Safety

Keep it clean and dry, check seams and knots, and make sure nothing hangs loose that could catch fingers or toes during training.

Legality (general information)

This is training or traditional equipment, not a weapon, and is generally free to buy and own. Clubs and federations may still set rules on approved models and condition. General information, not legal advice.

Did you know?

By tradition a professional’s mawashi is not washed, only dried in the sun.

More weapons

Keikogi (gi) Hakama Black belt Berimbau

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Mawashi
  2. Wikipedia — Sumo