Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily before a match, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Junior less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
