The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
