Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings 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. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
