The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
