Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily before a match, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional 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.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen 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 straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

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

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.