The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated 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 globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements including support staff.
Younger less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
