Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or last several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Junior less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, 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 drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
