Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
