Why the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, containing within 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 involved commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
