Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, 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 when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use 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 strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
International competitors have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
