🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

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

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged 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 – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, 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 exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

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