The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily before a match, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
