The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
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 previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
