Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.