The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

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 from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

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

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

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

Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.