The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
