🔗 Share this article

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

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

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes 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 their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.