The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
