The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
