Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
