The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
