Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, highlighting 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 through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
