Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event 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 and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Younger less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
