The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held 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, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

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

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler 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.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

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

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early 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 each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Younger less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

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

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.