The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers β called rikishi β battling within a circular arena β a dohyo β measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily before a match, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it β living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament β the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction β a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe β a high-protein dish aimed at building mass β and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting β approximately 10,000 calories β with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body β creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released β a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna β the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of the sport β beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.
International competitors have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
