The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily before a match, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi 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.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.
International competitors have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
