Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. 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 – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.