Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in 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 with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
