The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily before a match, an opening is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
