The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest 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, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
