Why the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – living and training communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.
Top champions include global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.