Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate 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, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
International competitors have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.