Why the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in the UK Capital

The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.