The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents 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 – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

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

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

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan 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 also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

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

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

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

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.