The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
