Tachiai
立合い
The opening clash in sumo, when both wrestlers charge at each other at the same time from a crouch. It often decides the whole bout.
Quick Facts
Term typeCompetition, rules and scoring
LanguageJapanese
Formnoun
Pronunciation[tah-chee-eye]
Alternative Namesopening clash
Readings and romanizations
Reading (kana)たちあい
Hepburn romanizationtachiai
Word breakdown
立tachito face off, to charge
合いaimeeting
Definition
Tachiai (立合い) is the moment when both wrestlers charge from a crouch and collide. Before the start both must touch the ground with their fists. If one charges too early or the start fails, the referee gyoji or a referee at the ring stops the start (matta) and it is repeated. Most wrestlers charge straight ahead and try to gain a better grip or push the opponent out. A sidestep at the moment of the start is called henka. It is allowed, but among higher-ranked wrestlers it is not considered dignified. Tachiai is trained, among other ways, by slamming into the wooden pole teppo.