The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London

The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

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

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend in standing.

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

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.