Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
