Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily before a match, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
