The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
