Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place 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 with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

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

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.