The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
