The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or last several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.
Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
