Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
