The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London

The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.

Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez

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