Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 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.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.
Younger less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
