Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

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

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

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

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances 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.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.