Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed 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 traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
