The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.