Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
