The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called 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, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic 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 within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
