Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily before a match, an opening is created in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Younger less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.