Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily before a match, an opening is created in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact 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 primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. 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 eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
