The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

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

This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London 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 could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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