The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end almost instantly or last several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.