Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest 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 ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.