The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely 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, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Junior less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
