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

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

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

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

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. 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 observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements including support staff.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.