The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice 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, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
