Why This Major Sumo Event 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 represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital 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 for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
