The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations 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.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
