Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October
Exploring Sumo Wrestling
Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.
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. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.
