The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
