Kanari: The Tribal Rite of Combat

A coming-of-age ritual passed down through a certain warrior tribe—Kanari is a brutal and sacred trial that combines the intensity of boxing with the primal struggle of sumo.

This ceremonial fight is composed of two distinct phases of battle, designed to test the warrior’s body and soul.

◇ The First Rite: The Rite of Blood Strikes

● Overview

Warriors bare their bodies and spirits to engage in a head-on exchange of blows, proving their strength and resolve.

● Format

Two rounds (75 seconds each)

1-minute interval between rounds

Held within a Matura Ring approximately 3.5 to 4 meters in diameter

● Fighting Stance

Even when defending, warriors are expected to press forward. Advancing courageously is considered a mark of honor.

● Victory Conditions

Knockout (incapacitation)

Voluntary surrender

→ Either condition results in immediate termination of the rite.

※ The previous rule, "loss if one’s back touches the surrounding rope," has been abolished.

● Prohibited Actions

Retreating outside the ring (intentional avoidance is forbidden)

Use of weapons or kicks

● Key Features

Only upper-body strikes are allowed

A single backward step risks touching the surrounding rope, maintaining constant pressure to advance

Touching the rope no longer results in defeat, but being pinned and repeatedly struck against it is seen as a sign of disadvantage—adding both strategic and psychological pressure

◇ The Second Rite: The Rite of Binding Souls

● Overview

If no victor is determined in the first rite, the combatants proceed to this final trial of strength.

It is a sacred test of will and power, where warriors seek to dominate through pure physical unity.

● Format

1-minute interval after the Rite of Crimson Blows

Both fighters approach the center of the Matura Ring and engage in a deep chest-to-chest clinch

At the sound of the drum, the contest begins

The struggle continues with no time limit until one is forced out of the ring

● Fighting Stance

Fighters must maintain the clinch without breaking

Every part of the body—arms, chest, thighs, core—must be used to exert pressure and control

● Victory Conditions

Forcing the opponent out of the Matura Ring

● Prohibited Actions

Creating distance (separating or breaking the clinch)

Pulling, tripping, or using leg techniques

Releasing the grip on the opponent’s belt

● Key Features

A prolonged, full-body clinch is maintained throughout

The merging of sweat, breath, and heartbeat creates a communion of souls beyond simple combat

◇ 第一の儀式：血打の儀

● 概要

戦士が己の肉体と闘志をむき出しにして真正面からの殴り合いに挑む。

● フォーマット

2ラウンド制（各75秒）

インターバル：1分間

直径：約3.5〜4mのMatura Ring内で実施

● 戦士の姿勢

防御の姿勢であっても、積極的に前へ踏み込むことが戦士としての誇りとされる。

● 勝敗条件

KO（戦闘不能）

自発的降参

→ いずれかが成立すれば即時終了。

※ 以前存在した「荒縄に背中がついたら敗北」のルールは撤廃されました。

● 禁止事項

土俵外への退避（意図的な回避・逃走は禁止）

武器・足技の使用

● 特徴

上半身の打撃のみ。

一歩後退すれば即縄に触れる恐れがあり、緊張感と前進圧力が常に戦士を包む。

荒縄に触れても敗北にはならないが、そこに押し付けられ殴られ続けることは劣勢の象徴とされ、戦術的・心理的に大きな重圧となる。

◇ 第二の儀式：接魂の儀

● 概要

拳では決着がつかなかったときにのみ移行される、力比べの最終試練。

戦士同士がすべてをさらけ出し、一体化するような交感の中で勝者が決まる。

● フォーマット

血打の儀終了後、インターバル：1分間

両者がMatura Ring中央でがっぷり四つに組み合った状態で静止

太鼓の合図で力比べが開始

組み合ったまま、どちらかがMatura Ringの外に押し出されるまで無制限に続行

● 戦士の姿勢

組みを崩すことなく、全身全霊の力で相手を押し出すことが求められる

腕や肩だけでなく、腹、胸、太腿、背筋まで全身の筋肉を駆使することが求められる

● 勝敗条件

相手をMatura Ringの外に押し出す

● 禁止事項

距離を取る（離れる行為）

引き倒す・足技の使用・回しから手を離す行為

● 特徴

がっぷり四つでの密着状態が基本

肉体が密接に接することで、体温・鼓動・呼吸が混ざり合い、ただの力比べを超えた魂の交感が生まれる

◇ The Matura Ring

A key element of Kanari is the Matura Ring—the sacred stage upon which the trials unfold.

● Structure

-Diameter: approx. 3.5–4 meters, smaller than a sumo ring, designed to force constant engagement

-Floor: damp, uneven soil that tests balance and footwork

-Perimeter: encircled by a thick sacred rope—contacting it with your back during the Rite of Blood Strikes results in defeat

● Symbolism

The Matura Ring is not just a battlefield—it is a sacred space of transformation.

Once you step inside, you cannot flee. You either stand your ground, or fall.

In Kanari, your strength is not only shown in your fists, but in your willingness to close the distance, and never step back.