Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options including support staff.
Younger less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
