🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

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

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

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

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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