🔗 Share this article

The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, 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 – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

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

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

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

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.