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
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.