The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
