Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
