Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily before a match, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital 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 for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight 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 the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
