Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts 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, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Junior less established rikishi 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 advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
