Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences 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 popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under 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 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.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.
Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
