Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including support staff.
Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined 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 within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
