Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.