Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, 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.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
