Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
