The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating 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 are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.
Junior less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.