Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi 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 the sport – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent 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. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
