Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in the UK Capital

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

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

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

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

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

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

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

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