Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
