The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily before a match, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
