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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

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.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

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

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.