Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, 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 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi 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, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
