The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in the UK Capital

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily before a match, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

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

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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