Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo 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 prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
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 determines earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
