The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by 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 per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
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