The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring 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.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options including support staff.
Younger less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
International competitors have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
