The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

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

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

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

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

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

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push 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 and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. 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, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

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

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements including support staff.

Junior less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

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

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

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.