Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
