🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

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

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end almost instantly or last several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

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

Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

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

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.