The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is made at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
The London Location
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital 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, sumo leadership stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
