Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily before a match, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
