The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under 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 outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation 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 during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
