The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
