The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
International competitors have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
