Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest 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 before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence 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 over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
