The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision 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 experienced a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options including support staff.
Younger less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
