The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily before a match, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of 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 together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, 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 – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
