The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers 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 only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture 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 touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
