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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

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

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily before a match, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo 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 negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

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

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

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

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.