The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London

The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily before a match, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

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

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

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

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.