The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.
Younger less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
