Why the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in the UK Capital

The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily before a match, a hole is created at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue 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, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.