The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers 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 taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Junior less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
