The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.