Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common 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're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
