The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
