Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
