Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily before a match, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
