Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
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 in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.
International competitors have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
