Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, 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 divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
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 – marking the initial occasion a tournament 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 share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts might end almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
