Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
