Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

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

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

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

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

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

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed 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 several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.

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

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

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

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

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

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

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

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.