The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
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. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Younger less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.
International competitors have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
