🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – 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 – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, 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 the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.