The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
