Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers β called rikishi β competing inside a raised circular ring β a dohyo β spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening 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 strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it β living and training communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament β the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo β a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew β a high-protein dish aimed at building mass β with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal β approximately 10,000 calories β although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body β making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published β a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna β the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo β transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
