Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo 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 substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Junior less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
