The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
