🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

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

The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo 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. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.