Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament 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 outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi 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. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
