The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
