Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is made at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
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 and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
