Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals 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 then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place 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 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

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