The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.
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 and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects 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 during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
