No.199
Paper Sumo
Japanese name: 紙相撲
You can scroll an enlarged diagram from side to side. Press again to return to its original size.
Diagram key
- A
- Fingertips
- B
- Tap the edge of the box.
Materials
- Two freestanding folded-card sumo wrestlers
- An empty box with a sumo ring drawn on top
- Pen
- Scissors if needed
How to play
- Fold thick paper in half and cut a wrestler shape while leaving the fold connected. Spread its feet so it stands. Draw a sumo ring on top of an empty box.
- Two players sit across the box and choose one wrestler each. Place the two wrestlers lightly touching in the ring's center.
- On the signal, lightly tap the box edges with fingertips so vibrations move the wrestlers. Do not push the figures directly or lift the box.
- The first wrestler to fall or leave the ring loses. If both do so together, call a draw, reset their positions, and replay.
- After three bouts, change wrestlers or opponents. Finish by exploring how foot spacing and paper thickness change the movement.
Ways to adapt
Preschool children: an adult cuts the figures. Younger primary school children: make their own. Older primary school children: improve the shapes.