Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

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

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

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

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter 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.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – 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. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

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

Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.