Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.
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 high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
