The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event 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 sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
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 rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
