The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals are performed before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.
While women 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, under a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal 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 – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
