The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
