Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London 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 appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
