The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
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 through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi 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. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.