Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
