Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options including support staff.
Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
