Why the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Younger less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
