The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts might end almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
