The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.
Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Top champions feature global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.