Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, 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 – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Various rituals are performed before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is made in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.
Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches might end almost instantly or last several minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.
While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements including support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.
Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.
