The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.