The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital

The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily before a match, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring 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 to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

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

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

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

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements including support staff.

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

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.