Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily before a match, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents 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
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
