Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey 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 could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Size categories 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 can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine 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 aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Younger less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
