Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – living and training communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan 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 also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
