The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.
International competitors have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
