The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine 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.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
