Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – living and training communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
