Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options including support staff.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, 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, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
