The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
