The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals take place before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
