The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute 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 the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes 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 may happen during any match.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
