Nomi no Sukune
Nomi no Sukune was a legendary figure in Japanese history who appears in the Nihon Shoki. He is regarded as the founder of sumo wrestling. He was the founder of the Haji clan.
Life
Sukune is said to have lived during the reign of Emperor Suinin. Allegedly, in 23 B.C., the Emperor instructed Nomi no Sukune to deal with Taima no Kehaya after he boasted that he was the strongest man "under the heavens". Nomi no Sukune engaged Taima no Kehaya in hand-to-hand combat and broke his ribs with one kick and his back with another, killing Taima no Kehaya. It was not modern sumo, but he is regarded as the creator of sumo.He is believed to be an ancestor of Sugawara no Michizane, and the great-grandfather to Haji no Mino.
The emperor gave him the title of Haji after he and 300 potters crafted haniwa for the burial of Empress Hibasuhime.