Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements including support staff.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Top champions feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
