The original form of sumo was called "sumai", and it involved two men wrestling each other in a ring made of straw. The objective was to force the opponent out of the ring or to make him touch the ground with any part of his body except his feet.
As sumo gained popularity, it became more formalized, and the rules were standardized. The sport was divided into different weight divisions, and the wrestlers began to wear traditional clothing called "mawashi". The ring was also changed from straw to clay, and the matches became more structured and competitive.
By the 19th century, sumo had become one of the most popular sports in Japan. It was patronized by the imperial court and the samurai class, and it was often featured in festivals and other public events. Sumo wrestlers were highly respected and enjoyed a high social status.
Today, sumo is still a popular sport in Japan, and it is considered to be one of the country's national sports. Sumo tournaments are held throughout the year, and the top wrestlers are revered as national heroes.