Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
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 through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning 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".
Sumo has seen a significant rise 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 basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
