Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
