Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
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 earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.
International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
