The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training 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 until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
