The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

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

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

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

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

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

Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

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