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: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen a significant rise 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 of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
