The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.
Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
