Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily before a match, an opening is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
