Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
