Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
