🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

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

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.