The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
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, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
