Why the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in the UK Capital

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

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

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

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements including support staff.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

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

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

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

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

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