The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
