Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
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 and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Junior less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
