The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily before a match, an opening is created at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
