Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo 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 and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

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 beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences 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 fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system 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.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

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

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

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

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.