The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport 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 every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts 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 through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.
Younger less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
