Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall 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, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed 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.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch 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 purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
