Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.
Prior to events, 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. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
