The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out 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 last several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, 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.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
