Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

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

The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

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

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact 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. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

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

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.