Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily before a match, a hole is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.
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 until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
