Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers β known as rikishi β battling inside a raised circular ring β the dohyo β spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily before a match, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport β residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament β marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo β a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
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 in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe β a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass β with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting β thousands of calories β although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association β making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released β a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna β the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo β beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
