Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
