The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
