The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved 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 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 took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
