Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers 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 – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
