The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily before a match, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
