Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan 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 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Matches might end almost instantly or last several minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
