Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily before a match, an opening is created at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – 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 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 was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen a significant rise 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 bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
