The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as 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.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
