Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
