The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
