Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Younger less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
