The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior 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 traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.