Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held 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 Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed 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.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch 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 – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
