Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early 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 consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Junior less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.