Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

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

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

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

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

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.