Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
