The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.