Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
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 during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
