Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue 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 he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
