Why the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation 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 massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
