Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – living and training communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
