Why the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women 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 called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
