Why the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
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.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
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 Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
