Why the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London

The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

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

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end almost instantly or last several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

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

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.