The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest involves two competitors β called rikishi β competing within a circular arena β a dohyo β measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport β residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition β marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction β an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew β a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass β with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal β approximately 10,000 calories β with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association β creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released β a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion β the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo β transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
