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. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.