The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming 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 – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.
