Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
