Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in the UK Capital

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily before a match, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

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

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

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

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

There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

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 affects earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status 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

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

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.