🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

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

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.

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 – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

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

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.