Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called 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, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
