Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

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 with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

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

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

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

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

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, living arrangements including support staff.

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

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.