🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

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

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

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

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

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

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.