Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
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 involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic 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 in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Junior less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
