Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
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. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
