Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish 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 exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
International competitors have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
