🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

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

Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

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

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

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

Bouts might end almost instantly or last several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. 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 with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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