The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London

The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

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

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

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

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories 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 – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend in standing.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.