The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors 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, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.
International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.