Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.
International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
