The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals take place before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – 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 massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
