The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily before a match, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under 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 internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated 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 appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.