The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
