Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.
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.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
