Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
