fudoshihai

Fudoshihai is a term used in Japanese sumo wrestling. It refers to a situation where a bout has been judged to be a draw, and a second match is required to determine the winner. This practice is also known as "torinaoshi".

Sumo bouts are typically decided by a single referee, the gyoji, who throws a paper fan, a gunbai, to signal the victor. However, if the gyoji's decision is unclear or if the judges, known as shimpan, disagree with the gyoji's call, they can convene to review the match. If they determine that the outcome was too close to call, or if there was a significant error in judgment, the fudoshihai is declared.

During a fudoshihai, the wrestlers return to their starting positions on the dohyo, the raised clay ring. The match is then restarted from the beginning. This process can be repeated multiple times if necessary, though it is relatively rare in modern sumo. The goal of fudoshihai is to ensure that a clear winner is determined and that the integrity of the competition is maintained. It is a unique aspect of sumo that highlights the sport's emphasis on fairness and tradition.