Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
