The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
