The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity 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 makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
