Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally 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 – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts might end almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions feature global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
