Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is made 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 scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics 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. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. 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 – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
