The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, 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 who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
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, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
