Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
