The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership 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, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or last several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.