The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in the UK Capital

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies 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 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 scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely 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 beginning October 15th through October 19th.

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

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

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories do not exist within 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 professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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