Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
