The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

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

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily before a match, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

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

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur 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.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately 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. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

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

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.