Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, 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 less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
