The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, 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 when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under 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 of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Junior less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
