Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals are performed before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
