The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions feature global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
