The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
