Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion 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 share 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, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
