The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
