The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.
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.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
