Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved 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 beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including 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 within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
