The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
