The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to it – living and training communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
