The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament 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 such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect 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 and even support staff.
Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
