The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, 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 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Junior less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
