Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily before a match, an opening is made at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
