Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins 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 before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Junior less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
