Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily before a match, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion 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 with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest 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 is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options including support staff.
Younger less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
