Why the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

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

This combat sport 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 both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

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

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

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

Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

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

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.