The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
