The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.
International competitors have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
