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
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.