Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior less established 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 drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
