🔗 Share this article

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily before a match, an opening is created at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end almost instantly or last several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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