The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
