The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called 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 traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
