Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
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 through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.
Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
