The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.