The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – living and training communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
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 on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight 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 the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.
Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
