The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in the UK Capital

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or last several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.