Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
