Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Junior less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
