Why the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics 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. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
