The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

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 beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged outside 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 the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

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

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics 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 with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements including support staff.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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