Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily before a match, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete 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 in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Junior less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.