The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

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

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, 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 – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.