Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

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

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

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

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

International competitors have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

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

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.