Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals take place before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
