Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals are performed before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
