Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held 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 edition – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers 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, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
