The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – living and training communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
