Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.
Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.
Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.
Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Sumo Wrestlers Demographics
The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.
