Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties 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 descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
