Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament 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 such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 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 during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
