Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the ring 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 with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.