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: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp 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 – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
