Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
